Compositions for controlling hair growth

ABSTRACT

FP-1 is a protein that is specifically expressed in the follicular papilla of the hair follicle. The nucleic acid and amino acid sequences of FP-1, as well as antibodies that specifically bind FP-1 are provided. In addition, methods of isolating follicular papilla cells and methods of modulating hair growth are also disclosed.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/709,074, entitled “Compositions for Controlling Hair Growth,” filed Feb. 21, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,420,038, which is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/096,070 entitled “Compositions for Controlling Hair Growth,” filed Mar. 31, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,223,562, which in turn claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/558,341, filed Mar. 31, 2004, the contents of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(a) Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the field of dermatology. More specifically, the present invention relates to compositions and methods for modulating hair growth.

(b) Background

Although hair growth disorders are not life threatening, their impact on social interactions and on an individual's psychological well being is undeniable. Thus, effective methods of treating hair growth disorders are greatly desired.

One of the most common hair disorders is alopecia, where humans begin losing scalp hair at the temples and on the crown of their head as they age. Although this type of hair loss is predominantly found in males, it is also present in a certain proportion of women. Alopecia can also be induced by chemical agents or physical agents (e.g., during anti-cancer chemotherapy), and the condition also results from specific disease states.

Another type of hair growth disorder results from abnormally accentuated hair growth. For example, hirsutism is manifested as excessive androgen-dependent hair growth in women, whereas hypertrichosis is an increase in androgen-independent hair growth (Bertolino et al., “Disorders of epidermal appendages and related disorders,” in Dermatology in General Medicine, 4th ed., pp. 671-695, Fitzpatrick et al., eds. (McGraw-Hill, 1993)).

A traditional treatment for alopecia is hair transplantation. This typically involves transplanting plugs of natural hair from areas of the scalp where hair is growing to bald or thinning areas of the scalp. This procedure is costly, time-consuming, painful, and does not provide a sufficient remedy in all cases. Electrical stimulus has been suggested as an alternative way to promote hair growth (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,800,477 and references cited therein); however, such methods are of questionable efficacy.

Other methods for stimulating hair growth comprise the use of various chemicals or drugs, mud preparations, and plant extracts (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,798,341, 5,767,152, 5,753,713, 5,750,107, 5,741,816, 5,739,111, 5,723,149, 5,679,378, 5,674,497, 5,663,160, 5,656,300, 5,643,898, 4,139,619, and references cited therein). There are two compounds currently in clinical use to treat alopecia: finasteride, sold as PROPECIA®, and minoxidil, marketed as ROGAINE®. A drawback of finasteride is that it can only be used by men. Furthermore, its use can result in sexual side effects such as a decreased desire for sex, difficulty in achieving erection, and a decrease in the amount of semen. Minoxidil is a vasodilatory drug which can have side effects in some patients. Similarly, mud preparations and plant extracts can produce unwelcome side effects in various patients and are of questionable efficacy. Moreover such treatments require a normal scalp with no local abrasions, dermatitis, or sunburn, rendering such methods unavailable to many individuals.

In addition to these hair growth disorders, individuals may also desire to increase, decrease, or prevent hair growth purely for cosmetic reasons. As a result, there is immense interest in the development of effective cosmetic and clinical treatments. Yet, most, if not all, of the known methods to control hair growth have several drawbacks.

For example, various procedures have been used to remove unwanted hair from the groin area, legs and face including shaving, electrolysis, use of depilatory creams, waxing, plucking and therapeutic anti-androgens, see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,093,748. However, these traditional methods have various drawbacks associated with them. For example, shaving can cause nicks, cuts and undesirable stubble. Although electrolysis keeps a treated area free of hair for prolonged periods of time, it can be expensive, painful, and may leave scarring in some cases. Depilatory creams have a high potential to irritate the skin. Waxing and plucking can cause pain, discomfort and poor removal of short hair. Finally, anti-androgens can have undesirable side effects.

Thus, alternative methods for controlling hair growth are needed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The follicular papilla, a cluster of mesenchymal cells at the base of the hair follicle, plays an essential role in hair growth. It has been discovered that various genes are selectively expressed in follicular papilla compared to the neighboring dermal fibroblasts cells. For example, it has been discovered that follicular papilla-1 (FP-1) is selectively expressed in follicular papilla compared to dermal fibroblasts cells. This discovery has been exploited to develop the present invention, which relates to nucleic acids and proteins that control hair growth; compositions that control hair growth; compositions for isolating follicular papilla cells; methods for controlling hair growth; methods for repairing hair follicles; methods for screening for, or identifying, agents that control hair growth; methods for diagnosing hair disorders; and methods of diagnosing cancers.

In one aspect, the invention provides an isolated polynucleotide comprising the DNA sequence of rat FP-1. In some embodiments, the sequence of the rat FP-1 comprises SEQ ID NO:1 or SEQ ID NO:3. In additional embodiments, the invention provides an isolated polynucleotide that is the complement of the polynucleotide comprising SEQ ID NO:1 or SEQ ID NO:3.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a recombinant vector comprising any of the polynucleotides of this aspect of the invention. In a further embodiment, the invention provides a host cell comprising a recombinant vector of this aspect.

In a still further embodiment, the invention provides a method of preparing a substantially purified polypeptide encoded by a recombinant vector of this aspect. In this method, host cells transformed or transfected with a recombinant vector according to the invention are cultured under conditions conducive to the synthesis of the polypeptide. The polypeptide, in substantially purified form, is then isolated from the host cells. In another embodiment, the invention provides an isolated polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence encoded by a polynucleotide having the DNA sequence of rat FP-1 (SEQ ID NO:1 or SEQ ID NO:3). In some embodiments, this polypeptide comprises SEQ ID NO:2 or SEQ ID NO:4.

In a still further embodiment, an antibody that specifically binds rat FP-1 (SEQ ID NO:2 or SEQ ID NO:4), is provided. In yet another embodiment, an antibody that binds both a polypeptide comprising SEQ ID NO: 2 and a polypeptide comprising SEQ ID NO: 12, is provided. In another embodiment, the invention provides an antibody that binds both a polypeptide comprising SEQ ID NO: 4 and a polypeptide comprising SEQ ID NO:12.

In another aspect of the invention, an isolated polynucleotide consisting of SEQ ID NO:1 or SEQ ID NO:3 is provided. In one embodiment, the isolated polynucleotide is the complement of any of the polynucleotides of this aspect. In another embodiment, a recombinant vector comprising any of the polynucleotides of this aspect is provided. In a further embodiment, a host cell comprising a recombinant vector of this aspect is provided.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a method of preparing a substantially purified polypeptide encoded by a recombinant vector comprising the polynucleotide consisting of SEQ ID NO:1 or SEQ ID NO:3. In this method, host cells transformed or transfected with the recombinant vector are cultured under conditions conducive to the synthesis of the polypeptide. The polypeptide is then recovered in substantially purified form from the host cells.

In yet a further embodiment of this aspect of the invention, an isolated polypeptide (SEQ ID NO:2) comprising the amino acid sequence encoded by the polynucleotide consisting of the DNA sequence of rat FP-1 (SEQ ID NO:1) is provided. In a further embodiment of this aspect, the invention provides an isolated polypeptide (SEQ ID NO:4) comprising the amino acid sequence encoded by the polynucleotide consisting of the DNA sequence of rat FP-1 (SEQ ID NO:3).

The invention also provides an isolated polynucleotide comprising the DNA sequence of human FP-1. In one embodiment, the sequence of the human FP-1 comprises SEQ ID NO:11. In an additional embodiment, the invention provides an isolated polynucleotide that is the complement of the polynucleotide comprising SEQ ID NO:11. In another embodiment, the invention provides a recombinant vector comprising any of the polynucleotides of this aspect of the invention. In a further embodiment, the invention provides a host cell comprising the recombinant vector of this aspect.

In a still further embodiment, the invention provides a method of preparing a substantially purified polypeptide encoded by the recombinant vector of this aspect. In this method, host cells transformed or transfected with the recombinant vector according to the invention are cultured under conditions conducive to the synthesis of the polypeptide. The polypeptide, in substantially purified form, is then isolated from the host cells.

In another embodiment, the invention provides an isolated polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence encoded by the polynucleotide having the DNA sequence of human FP-1 (SEQ ID NO:11). In one embodiment, this polypeptide comprises SEQ ID NO:12. In a still further embodiment, an antibody that specifically binds human FP-1 (SEQ ID NO:12), is provided. In yet another embodiment, an antibody that binds both a polypeptide comprising SEQ ID NO: 2 and a polypeptide comprising SEQ ID NO: 12 is provided.

In still another embodiment, the invention provides an antibody that binds both a polypeptide comprising SEQ ID NO: 4 and a polypeptide comprising SEQ ID NO:12.

The invention also provides an isolated polynucleotide comprising a nucleic acid sequence that encodes a polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of rat FP-1 (SEQ ID NO:2 or SEQ ID NO:4). In one embodiment, the polynucleotide comprises a nucleic acid sequence that encodes a polypeptide comprising amino acids 34 to 549 of SEQ ID NO:2 or amino acids 34 to 531 of SEQ ID NO:4. In another embodiment, the isolated polynucleotide is the complement of any of the polynucleotides of this aspect. In another embodiment, a recombinant vector is provided which comprises any of the polynucleotide of this aspect. In a further embodiment, a host cell comprising a recombinant vector comprising any of the polynucleotides of this aspect is provided. In a still further embodiment, the invention provides a method of preparing a substantially purified polypeptide encoded by a recombinant vector comprising any of the polynucleotides of this aspect. In this method, cells transformed or transfected with the recombinant vector according to the invention are cultured under conditions conducive to the synthesis of the polypeptide. The polypeptide is then recovered in substantially purified form from the cells.

The invention also provides an isolated polynucleotide comprising a nucleic acid sequence that encodes a polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of human FP-1 (SEQ ID NO:12). In one embodiment, the polynucleotide comprises a nucleic acid sequence that encodes a polypeptide comprising amino acid 34 to 551 of SEQ ID NO:12. In another embodiment, the isolated polynucleotide is the complement of any of the polynucleotides of this aspect. In another embodiment, a recombinant vector is provided which comprises any of the polynucleotide of this aspect. In a further embodiment, a cell comprising a recombinant vector comprising any of the polynucleotides of this aspect is provided.

In a still further embodiment, the invention provides a method of preparing a substantially purified polypeptide encoded by a recombinant vector comprising the polynucleotide of this aspect. In this method, cells transformed or transfected with the recombinant vector according to the invention are cultured under conditions conducive to the synthesis of the polypeptide. The polypeptide is then recovered in substantially purified form from the cells.

In yet another aspect, the invention provides an isolated polynucleotide comprising a nucleic acid sequence that is homologous to SEQ ID NO:1 or SEQ ID NO:3, wherein the isolated polynucleotide molecule encodes a protein that controls hair growth. In some embodiments, the isolated polynucleotide of this aspect has about 80%, about 85%, about 90%, or about 95% identity to SEQ ID NO:1 or SEQ ID NO:3. In another embodiment, the isolated polynucleotide is the complement of any of the polynucleotides of this aspect of the invention. In another embodiment, a recombinant vector comprising a polynucleotide of this aspect is provided. The invention also provides a cell comprising the recombinant vector having any of the polynucleotides of this aspect.

Also provided is a method of preparing a substantially purified polypeptide encoded by a recombinant vector of this aspect of the invention. In this method, cells transformed or transfected with the recombinant vector are cultured under conditions conducive to the synthesis of the polypeptide. The polypeptide is then recovered in substantially purified form from the cells. In yet a further embodiment of this invention, an isolated polypeptide of this aspect, is provided. In a still further embodiment of the invention, an antibody that specifically binds an isolated polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence encoded by the polynucleotide of the invention is provided.

In yet another aspect, the invention provides an isolated polynucleotide comprising a nucleic acid sequence that is homologous to SEQ ID NO:11, wherein the isolated polynucleotide molecule encodes a protein that controls hair growth. In some embodiments, the isolated polynucleotide of this aspect is about has about 80%, about 85%, about 90%, or about 95% identity to SEQ ID NO:11. In another embodiment, the isolated polynucleotide is the complement of any of the polynucleotides of this aspect of the invention. In another embodiment, a recombinant vector comprising any of the polynucleotides of this aspect is provided. The invention also provides a cell comprising a recombinant vector having any of the polynucleotides of this aspect.

Also provided is a method of preparing a substantially purified polypeptide encoded by a recombinant vector of this aspect of the invention. In this method, cells transformed or transfected with the recombinant vector are cultured under conditions conducive to the synthesis of the polypeptide. The polypeptide is then recovered in substantially purified form from the cells. In yet a further embodiment, the isolated polypeptide of this aspect of the invention is provided. In a still further embodiment of the invention, an antibody that specifically binds an isolated polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence encoded by the polynucleotide of this aspect is provided.

In another aspect, the invention provides an isolated polynucleotide comprising a nucleic acid sequence that is homologous to a nucleic acid sequence that encodes a polypeptide comprising SEQ ID NO:2 or SEQ ID NO:4, wherein the isolated polynucleotide molecule encodes a protein that controls hair growth. In some embodiments, the isolated polynucleotide of this aspect has about 80%, about 85%, about 90%, or about 95% identity to a nucleic acid sequence that encodes a polypeptide comprising SEQ ID NO:2 or SEQ ID NO:4. In one embodiment of this aspect, the invention provides an isolated polynucleotide that is the complement of any of the polynucleotides of this aspect. In another embodiment, a recombinant vector of this aspect is provided. In a further embodiment, the invention provides a host cell comprising a recombinant vector having any of the polynucleotides of this aspect.

In yet another embodiment, a method of preparing a substantially purified polypeptide encoded by a recombinant vector of this aspect is provided. The method comprises culturing host cells transformed or transfected with a recombinant vector according to the invention under conditions conducive to the synthesis of the polypeptide. The polypeptide is then recovered in substantially purified form from the host cells. In yet a further embodiment of this invention, an isolated polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence encoded by a polynucleotide of this aspect, is provided.

In a still further embodiment, the invention provides an antibody that specifically binds an isolated polypeptide of this aspect of the invention.

In another aspect, the invention provides an isolated polynucleotide comprising a nucleic acid sequence that is homologous to a nucleic acid sequence that encodes a polypeptide comprising SEQ ID NO:12, wherein the isolated polynucleotide molecule encodes a protein that controls hair growth. In some embodiments, the isolated polynucleotide of this aspect has about 80%, about 85%, about 90%, or about 95% identity to a nucleic acid sequence that encodes a polypeptide comprising SEQ ID NO:12. In one embodiment of this aspect, the invention provides an isolated polynucleotide that is the complement of any of the polynucleotides of this aspect. In another embodiment, a recombinant vector of this aspect is provided. In a further embodiment, the invention provides a host cell comprising a recombinant vector having any of the polynucleotides of this aspect.

In a still further embodiment, a method of preparing a substantially purified polypeptide encoded by a recombinant vector of this aspect is provided. The method comprises culturing host cells transformed or transfected with a recombinant vector according to the invention under conditions conducive to the synthesis of the polypeptide. The polypeptide is then recovered in substantially purified form from the host cells. In yet a further embodiment of this invention, an isolated polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence encoded by a polynucleotide of this aspect, is provided.

In yet another embodiment, the invention provides an antibody that specifically binds an isolated polypeptide of this aspect of the invention.

In an additional aspect of the invention, an isolated polynucleotide that specifically hybridizes under highly stringent conditions to a complement of a polynucleotide sequence comprising SEQ ID NO:1 or SEQ ID NO:3, wherein the polynucleotide sequence encodes a protein that controls hair growth is provided. In one embodiment, an isolated polynucleotide that is the complement of any of the polynucleotides of this aspect is provided. In another embodiment, the invention provides a recombinant vector comprising a polynucleotide of this aspect. In a further embodiment, a host cell comprising a recombinant vector comprising any of the polynucleotides of this aspect of the invention is provided. In a still further embodiment, the invention provides a method of preparing a substantially purified polypeptide encoded by a recombinant vector according to the invention. The method comprises culturing host cells transformed or transfected with the recombinant vector under conditions conducive to the synthesis of the polypeptide of the invention. The polypeptide is then recovered in substantially purified form from the host cells. In yet a further embodiment of this invention, an isolated polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence encoded by any of the polynucleotides of this aspect is provided. In a still further embodiment, the invention provides an antibody that specifically binds an isolated polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence encoded by a polynucleotide according to this aspect.

The invention also provides an isolated polynucleotide that specifically hybridizes under highly stringent conditions to a complement of a polynucleotide sequence comprising SEQ ID NO:11, wherein the polynucleotide sequence encodes a protein that controls hair growth. In one embodiment, an isolated polynucleotide that is the complement of any of the polynucleotides of this aspect is provided. In another embodiment, the invention provides a recombinant vector comprising a polynucleotide of this aspect. In a further embodiment, a host cell comprising a recombinant vector comprising any of the polynucleotides of this aspect of the invention is provided.

In a still further embodiment, the invention provides a method of preparing a substantially purified polypeptide encoded by a recombinant vector according to the invention. The method comprises culturing host cells transformed or transfected with the recombinant vector under conditions conducive to the synthesis of the polypeptide of the invention. The polypeptide is then recovered in substantially purified form from the host cells. In yet a further embodiment of this invention, an isolated polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence encoded by any of the polynucleotides of this aspect is provided.

In a still further embodiment, the invention provides an antibody that specifically binds an isolated polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence encoded by a polynucleotide according to this aspect.

The present invention also encompasses an isolated polynucleotide molecule that specifically hybridizes under highly stringent conditions to a complement of a polynucleotide sequence comprising a nucleotide sequence that encodes a polypeptide having SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:4 or SEQ ID NO:12, wherein the polynucleotide sequence encodes a protein that controls hair growth. In one embodiment, the present invention provides an isolated polynucleotide that is the complement of any of the polynucleotides of this aspect. In another embodiment, a recombinant vector comprising a polynucleotide molecule of this aspect is provided. In a further embodiment, the invention provides a host cell comprising a recombinant vector comprising any of the polynucleotides of this aspect.

In a still further embodiment, the invention provides a method of preparing a substantially purified polypeptide encoded by a recombinant vector comprising a polynucleotide molecule according to this aspect. In this method, host cells transformed or transfected with the recombinant vector are cultured under conditions conducive to the synthesis of the polypeptide according to the invention. The polypeptide is then recovered in substantially purified form from the host cells. In yet a further embodiment of this invention, an isolated polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence encoded by the polynucleotide sequence comprising an isolated polynucleotide molecule of this aspect is provided.

In a still further embodiment, the invention provides an antibody that specifically binds an isolated polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence encoded by any of the polynucleotides of this aspect.

The invention also provides a process for isolating a polynucleotide, comprising hybridizing a polynucleotide selected from the group consisting of polynucleotides having SEQ ID NO:1, SEQ ID NO:3, and SEQ ID NO:11 to genomic DNA under highly stringent conditions and isolating the DNA that hybridizes to the polynucleotide selected from the group consisting of polynucleotides having SEQ ID NO:1, SEQ ID NO:3, and SEQ ID NO:11. In one embodiment of this aspect of the invention, an isolated polynucleotide is prepared according to the process of this aspect of the invention. In another embodiment, an isolated polynucleotide that is the complement of the polynucleotide molecule of this aspect of the invention is provided. In another embodiment, a recombinant vector comprising the polynucleotide molecule of this aspect of the invention is provided. In a further embodiment, a host cell comprising the recombinant vector comprising the polynucleotide molecule of this aspect of the invention is provided.

In a still further embodiment, a method of preparing a substantially purified polypeptide encoded by the recombinant vector of this aspect of the invention, comprising culturing host cells transformed or transfected with the recombinant vector under conditions conducive to the synthesis of the polypeptide, and recovering a substantially purified polypeptide from the host cells, is provided. In yet a further embodiment of this invention, an isolated polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence encoded by the polynucleotide sequence of this aspect of the invention is provided.

In a still further embodiment, an antibody that specifically binds the isolated polypeptide of this aspect of the invention is provided.

In another aspect, the invention provides a method for increasing or decreasing hair growth, or changing the texture/structure (i.e., rough, smooth, fragile, curly, etc.) of the hair shaft of a subject. In this method, an effective amount of a composition comprising at least any one of the polynucleotides according to the invention is administered to a subject in need thereof. In one embodiment, the method comprises administering a polynucleotide encoding the human homolog of FP-1 (SEQ ID NO:11) to a subject in need thereof. In another embodiment, the method comprises administering to a subject in need thereof a polynucleotide having SEQ ID NO:11; and a second agent. The second agent is any substance that can control hair growth or can assist the polypeptide encoded by a polynucleotide of the invention to control hair growth. In an another embodiment, the method comprises administering a polynucleotide characterized by the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 with or without a second agent.

In a further aspect, the invention provides another method for increasing or decreasing hair growth, or changing the texture/structure (i.e., rough, smooth, fragile, curly, etc.) of the hair shaft of a subject. In this method, a formulation comprising a polypeptide encoded by any of the polynucleotides according to the invention is administered to the subject in an amount effective to control hair growth. In one embodiment, the method comprises administering to the subject, a polypeptide encoded by a polynucleotide comprising the human homolog of FP-1 (SEQ ID NO:12). In another embodiment, the method comprises administering to a subject, a polypeptide comprising amino acids 34 to 551 of SEQ ID NO:12. In a further embodiment, the subject is administered a polypeptide encoded by any of the nucleic acid molecules according to the invention; and a second agent. The second agent is any substance that can control hair growth or any substance that can assist the polypeptide of the invention to control hair growth.

In yet another aspect, the invention provides a method for controlling hair growth, comprising contacting the skin of a subject with a composition comprising an effective amount of a protein selected from the group consisting of polypeptides having SEQ ID NO:2, amino acids 34 to 549 of SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:4, amino acids 34 to 531 of SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:6, amino acids 34 to 549 of SEQ ID NO:6, SEQ ID NO:8, amino acids 34 to 549 of SEQ ID NO:8, SEQ ID NO:10, SEQ ID NO:12, amino acids 34 to 551 of SEQ ID NO:12, and any combination thereof. In one embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the hair follicle of a subject is contacted with the composition of this aspect. In another embodiment of this aspect, the follicular papilla of the subject is contacted with the composition according to the invention. In a further embodiment, the skin of a subject is contacted with a composition comprising an effective amount of a protein selected from the group consisting of polypeptides having SEQ ID NO:2, amino acids 34 to 549 of SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:4, amino acids 34 to 531 of SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:6, amino acids 34 to 549 of SEQ ID NO:6, SEQ ID NO:8, amino acids 34 to 549 of SEQ ID NO:8, SEQ ID NO:10, SEQ ID NO:12, amino acids 34 to 551 of SEQ ID NO:12; and a second agent. The second agent is any substance that can control hair growth or any substance that can assist the polypeptides selected from the group consisting of polypeptides having SEQ ID NO:2, amino acids 34 to 549 of SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:4, amino acids 34 to 531 of SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:6, amino acids 34 to 549 of SEQ ID NO:6, SEQ ID NO:8, amino acids 34 to 549 of SEQ ID NO:8, SEQ ID NO:10, SEQ ID NO:12, amino acids 34 to 551 of SEQ ID NO:12, to control hair growth.

In a further aspect of the invention, the invention provides a method of treating a subject with a hair growth disorder. In this method, a pharmaceutical composition comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, and a hair growth-promoting amount of any of the polynucleotides of the invention is administered to the subject. In one embodiment, the method comprises administering a polynucleotide encoding the human homolog of FP-1 (SEQ ID NO:11), and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier to a subject in need thereof. In a different method, a pharmaceutical composition comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, and a hair growth-promoting amount of any of the polypeptides of the invention is administered to the subject. In one embodiment the polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of polypeptides having SEQ ID NO:2, amino acids 34 to 549 of SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:4, amino acids 34 to 531 of SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:6, amino acids 34 to 549 of SEQ ID NO:6, SEQ ID NO:8, amino acids 34 to 549 of SEQ ID NO:8, SEQ ID NO:10, SEQ ID NO:12, amino acids 34 to 551 of SEQ ID NO:12.

In yet another aspect of the invention, a method of identifying an agent that modulates hair growth is provided. In one embodiment, skin, isolated follicular papilla cells, or an isolated hair follicle is contacted with a test agent. The expression of FP-1 in follicular papilla is then measured. If the test agent increases the expression of FP-1 in the isolated follicular papilla cells, or the follicular papilla of the isolated hair follicle or of the skin compared to those not contacted with the test agent, the agent is determined to stimulate hair growth. If on the other hand, the test agent decreases the expression of FP-1 in the isolated follicular papilla cells, or the follicular papilla of the isolated hair follicle or of the skin compared to those not contacted with the test agent, the agent is determined to inhibit hair growth.

The invention also provides methods for screening or identifying agents that modulate the ability of FP-1 to control hair growth. The method includes contacting FP-1 with a test agent. In this aspect, a test agent is a substance that is thought to be effective in modulating the activity of FP-1. The method includes determining if the test agent modulates the activity of FP-1. Accordingly, the agent is tested in in vitro hair growth assays to determine its ability to modulate hair growth by FP-1. The test agent is classified as an agent that stimulates hair growth if it increases the ability of FP-1 to promote hair growth, whereas the test agent is determined to be an inhibitor of hair growth if it decreases the activity of FP-1.

The invention also provides a method for stimulating hair growth in a subject, comprising contacting the skin of the subject with an amount of an agent that increases the expression of FP-1 in the follicular papilla. In some embodiments of this aspect, the hair follicle or the follicular papilla of the subject is contacted with the agent. In a further embodiment, the invention provides a method for stimulating hair growth in a subject, comprising contacting the skin of the subject with an amount of an agent that increases the expression of FP-1 in the follicular papilla; and a second agent. The second agent is any substance that controls hair growth or any substance that can assist the polypeptide of the invention to increase hair growth.

The present invention also provides a method for treating alopecia. The method comprises administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of FP-1, or an agent that increases the expression of FP-1 in follicular papilla of the subject. In one embodiment, the subject's skin is contacted with FP-1, or an agent that increases the expression of FP-1 in the follicular papilla of the subject. In a particular embodiment, contact with FP-1 or the agent alters the duration of the anagen in the subject. In another specific embodiment, contact with FP-1 or the agent converts telogen follicles into anagen follicles. In yet another embodiment, contact with FP-1 or the agent reverses miniaturization. In a still further embodiment, contact with FP-1 or the agent generates new hair follicles. In an additional embodiment, the method comprises administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of FP-1, or an agent that increases the expression of FP-1 in follicular papilla; and a second agent.

In another aspect, the present invention provides methods of diagnosing hair disorders in a subject. The method comprises collecting a blood or tissue sample from the subject and detecting the level of FP-1 expression in the sample. If the FP-1 expression is lower or higher than in blood or tissue samples from a control subject who does not have a hair disorder, the subject is determined to have a hair disorder.

The present invention also provides a method for transplanting hair in a subject. In this method, hair follicles or grafts are contacted with a polynucleotide selected from the group consisting of polynucleotides having SEQ ID NO:1, SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO:5, SEQ ID NO:7, SEQ ID NO:9, and SEQ ID NO:11, or contacted with a polypeptide selected from the group consisting of polypeptides comprising SEQ ID NO:2, amino acids 34 to 549 of SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:4, amino acids 34 to 531 of SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:6, amino acids 34 to 549 of SEQ ID NO:6, SEQ ID NO:8, amino acids 34 to 549 of SEQ ID NO:8, SEQ ID NO:10, SEQ ID NO:12, and amino acids 34 to 551 of SEQ ID NO:12. The contacted hair grafts or follicles are then transplanted to a predetermined bald or thinning area of the subject. The method of this aspect of the invention may further comprise contacting the hair follicles or grafts with additional substance(s) that control hair growth.

In yet another aspect, the invention provides a method for inhibiting hair growth of a subject, comprising contacting a hair follicle with an effective amount of an agent that decreases the expression of FP-1 in follicular papilla or inhibits the activity of FP-1. In some embodiments, the hair follicle is contacted by contacting the skin or the follicular papilla of a subject. In further embodiments, the agent that decreases the expression of FP-1 in follicular papilla or inhibits the activity of FP-1 is an antibody, a mutant form of FP-1, a ribozyme, an siRNA, an antisense molecule, or a small molecule inhibitor. In a further embodiment, the method of this aspect comprises contacting a hair follicle with an effective amount of an agent that decreases the expression of FP-1 in follicular papilla or inhibits the activity of FP-1; and an inhibitor of hair growth.

The invention also provides compositions comprising an antibody that binds FP-1 attached to a surface. In one embodiment, the surface is a solid phase surface. In another embodiment, the surface is a cell surface. In yet another embodiment the solid phase surface is a bead. In a still further embodiment the bead is selected from the group consisting of biodegradable beads, magnetic beads and latex beads.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides a method of identifying and isolating follicular papilla cells. In this method, a mixture of cells from the skin or hair follicles is contacted with an antibody that specifically binds to FP-1. In one embodiment, the antibody that binds FP-1 is coupled to a surface. These FP-1 antibody-bound cells are isolated from the unbound cells. The cells that bind an antibody that specifically binds to FP-1 are determined to be follicular papilla cells.

In another aspect, the invention provides a method for screening or validation of drugs for hair growth disorders. The method comprises contacting isolated follicular papilla cells, isolated hair follicles, or skin, and treating any of these with a test drug (e.g., chemical, compound, peptide, protein, DNA, etc.) and determining whether the test drug changes the expression level of FP-1 (RNA or protein) in the isolated follicular papilla cells, isolated hair follicles, or skin. The change in the expression levels of FP-1 is an indicator of the utility of the test drug for use in increasing or decreasing hair growth, or in regulating the texture/structure of the hair of a subject. If the test drug increases FP-1 expression it indicates that the test drug is effective in promoting hair growth. If, on the other hand, the test drug decreases FP-1 expression, the test agent is effective in inhibiting hair growth.

In an additional aspect, the present invention provides methods of diagnosing cancers. The method comprises isolating blood from a subject and measuring the level of FP-1. If the level of FP-1 is higher than that in the normal population, the subject is determined to be at a risk of developing or having developed a cancer. In another embodiment, the method comprises obtaining a tissue biopsy from a subject. The tissue is then tested for expression of FP-1. If the level of FP-1 is higher than in normal tissues, the subject is determined to be at a risk of developing or having developed a cancer. In one embodiment, the tissue is obtained from the skin. In another embodiment, the tissue is from the hair follicle. In yet another embodiment, the tissue is from the liver. In a further embodiment, the tissue is from the brain. In an even further embodiment, the tissue is from the testes. In an additional embodiment, the tissue is from the muscle (e.g., skeletal muscle). In a further embodiment, the tissue is from the placenta.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other objects of the present invention, the various features thereof, as well as the invention itself may be more fully understood from the following description, when read together with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1A is a diagrammatic representation of a human hair follicle in anagen.

FIG. 1B is a diagrammatic representation of the different stages of a hair follicle cycle.

FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of the nucleic acid (SEQ ID NO:1) and corresponding amino acid sequence of rat FP-1 (SEQ ID NO:2).

FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of the nucleic acid (SEQ ID NO:3) and corresponding amino acid sequence of an alternatively spliced rat FP-1 (SEQ ID NO:4).

FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of the nucleic acid (SEQ ID NO:5) and corresponding amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:6) of rat gliomedin.

FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of the nucleic acid (SEQ ID NO:7) and corresponding amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:8) of mouse cancer related gene-liver 2 (mCrg-L2).

FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of the nucleic acid (SEQ ID NO:9) and corresponding amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:10) of a human homolog of cancer related gene-liver 2 (hCrg-L2).

FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of a nucleic acid encoding human FP-1 (SEQ ID NO:11) and the corresponding amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:12).

FIG. 8 is a schematic representation of an alignment of the amino acid sequences of the rat FP-1 sequences of the present invention (SEQ ID NOS: 2 (FP-1a) and 4 (FP-1b)), rat gliomedin (SEQ ID NO: 6), mouse cancer related gene-liver 2 (SEQ ID NO: 8), the human homolog of the mouse cancer related gene-liver 2 (SEQ ID NO: 10), and the human homolog of FP-1 (SEQ ID NO: 12).

FIG. 9 is a schematic representation of an alignment of the coding regions of the nucleic acid sequences of the rat FP-1 sequences of the present invention (SEQ ID NOS: 28 (FP-1a) and 32 (FP-1b)), rat gliomedin (SEQ ID NO: 29), mouse cancer related gene-liver 2 (SEQ ID NO: 33), the human homolog of the mouse cancer related gene-liver 2 (SEQ ID NO: 31), and the human homolog of FP-1 (SEQ ID NO: 30).

FIG. 10A is a diagrammatic representation of the location of the collagen triple helix repeat and olfactomedin-related domains of FP-1.

FIG. 10B is a schematic representation of an amino acid sequence alignment of the two regions (underlined) of rat FP-1a and b (SEQ ID NO: 34) and human FP-1 (SEQ ID NO: 35) that are homologous to the collagen triple helix repeat.

FIG. 10C is a schematic representation of an amino acid sequence alignment of the olfactomedin domains of rat FP-1a and b (SEQ ID NOS: 36), human FP-1 (SEQ ID NO: 37) and the olfactomedin-like domain (SEQ ID NO: 38) (OLF: NCBI Conserved Domain Database, gnl/CDD/8214, pfam02191). The seven regions of conservation in olfactomedin-related proteins (Regions 1, 3, and 5-9) as defined by Klein and Green (Mol. Cell. Prot., 1.5:394-403, 2002) are underlined.

FIG. 11A is a photographic representation showing the enrichment of follicular papilla-specific cDNAs in the follicular papilla subtraction library. Specifically, FIG. 11A is a photographic representation of a Southern Blot analysis performed using follicular papilla-specific cDNAs (FP−) as probes. Lane 1: subtracted follicular papilla cDNA; lane 2: nonsubtracted follicular papilla cDNA; lane 3: subtracted fibroblast cDNA; and lane 4: nonsubtracted fibroblast cDNA.

FIG. 11B is a photographic representation of a Southern Blot analysis performed using fibroblasts-specific cDNAs (F−) as probes. Lane 1: subtracted follicular papilla cDNA; lane 2: nonsubtracted follicular papilla cDNA; lane 3: subtracted fibroblast cDNA; and lane 4: nonsubtracted fibroblast cDNA;

FIG. 11C is a photographic representation of a Southern Blot analysis performed using a GAPDH probe. Lane 1: subtracted follicular papilla cDNA; lane 2: nonsubtracted follicular papilla cDNA; lane 3: subtracted fibroblast cDNA; and lane 4: nonsubtracted fibroblast cDNA;

FIG. 11D is a photographic representation of a Southern Blot analysis performed using an FP-1 probe. Lane 1: subtracted follicular papilla cDNA; lane 2: nonsubtracted follicular papilla cDNA; lane 3: subtracted fibroblast cDNA; and lane 4: nonsubtracted fibroblast cDNA;

FIG. 11E is a photographic representation of an ethidium bromide stained gel in which the subtracted and nonsubtracted cDNAs of cultured rat follicular papilla cells, rat fibroblasts and human skeletal muscle control were separated electrophoretically. Lane 1: subtracted follicular papilla cDNA; lane 2: nonsubtracted follicular papilla cDNA; lane 3: subtracted fibroblast cDNA; lane 4: nonsubtracted fibroblast cDNA; lane 5: subtracted control (human skeletal muscle cDNA mixed with φX174/Hae III, and then subtracted with a human skeletal muscle cDNA); and lane 6: nonsubtracted control (human skeletal muscle cDNA).

FIG. 12A is a photographic representation of a nylon membrane dotted with a cDNA array from randomly picked clones of the follicular papilla-specific subtracted library hybridized with the follicular papilla-specific cDNA (FP− probe). The following clones were used as negative controls: H1: a human homolog of a mouse testis-specific gene, and H2: human semenogelin II, which is specific to seminal vesicles.

FIG. 12B is a photographic representation of a duplicate of the cDNA array shown in FIG. 12A, but hybridized with the fibroblast-specific cDNA (F− probe).

FIG. 12C is a photographic representation of a nylon membrane dotted with a bacterial colony array from randomly picked clones of the follicular papilla-specific subtracted library hybridized with the follicular papilla-specific cDNA (FP− probe). The following clones were used as negative controls: H1: a human homolog of a mouse testis-specific gene, and H2: human semenogelin II, which is specific to seminal vesicles.

FIG. 12D is a photographic representation of a duplicate of the bacterial colony array shown in FIG. 12A, but hybridized with the fibroblast-specific cDNA (F— probe).

FIG. 13A is a photographic representation of a Southern blot hybridized with an FP-1 probe. FP: PCR-amplified double-stranded cDNAs of follicular papilla cells, F: PCR-amplified double-stranded cDNAs of fibroblasts (1:1:1 mixture of diaphragm, esophagus and stomach fibroblasts), and DF: PCR-amplified double-stranded cDNAs of dermal fibroblasts.

FIG. 13B is a photographic representation of the Southern blot hybridized with an EST2 probe.

FIG. 13C is a photographic representation of the Southern blot hybridized with an EST6 probe.

FIG. 13D is a photographic representation of the Southern blot hybridized with an EST7 probe.

FIG. 13E is a photographic representation of the Southern blot hybridized with a lysyl oxidase-like 2 (LOXL2) probe.

FIG. 13F is a photographic representation of the Southern blot hybridized with a serine protease probe.

FIG. 13G is a photographic representation of a Southern blot hybridized with a tenascin c probe.

FIG. 13H is a photographic representation of a Southern blot hybridized with a GAPDH probe.

FIG. 14A is a photographic representation of a Northern blot hybridized with an FP-1 probe. Five micrograms of total RNA of cultured rat vibrissa follicular papilla cells (lane 1) and dermal fibroblasts (lane 2) and 10 μg of total RNA of 18 rat tissues (lane 3-20) were separated electrophoretically in a denaturing gel and subjected to Northern blot analysis. Lane 1: cultured follicular papilla cells; Lane 2: cultured dermal fibroblasts; Lane 3: skin; Lane 4: diaphragm; Lane 5: esophagus; Lane 6: stomach; Lane 7: brain; Lane 8: lung; Lane 9: heart; Lane 10: liver; Lane 11: spleen; Lane 12: kidney; Lane 13: bladder; Lane 14: intestine; Lane 15: colon; Lane 16: ovary; Lane 17: uterus; Lane 18: prostate; Lane 19: testis; and Lane 20: skeletal muscle.

FIG. 14B is a photographic representation of the Northern blot hybridized with a GAPDH probe.

FIG. 14C is a photographic representation of the gel stained with ethidium bromide.

FIG. 15 is a schematic representation of the cDNA (SEQ ID NO:1) and peptide sequence (SEQ ID NO:2) of the most full-length rat FP-1. The full-length FP-1 cDNA is 2332 bp, with a 1647 bp coding region that encodes a protein having 549 amino acids. Five peptide regions used to generate antisera are underlined and labeled epitopes 1 to 5. The N-terminal 33 amino acid residues of SEQ ID NO:2, which serve as a putative signal peptide, are indicated in bold and underlined. Amino acids 139-222 and 230-251 of SEQ ID NO:2 are homologous to collagen triple helix repeats. A region comprising amino acids 253-543 of SEQ ID NO:2 is homologous to an olfactomedin-related domain. Putative N-glycosylation sites are outlined in bold and underlined.

FIG. 16A is a photographic representation of a Western blot to test the antisera raised to FP-1. Total proteins of cultured rat vibrissa follicular papilla cells (FP) and dermal fibroblasts (DF) were separated electrophoretically on an SDS/polyacrylamide gel. Numbers on the left denote the positions of size markers in kilodalton (kDa). Immunoblots were performed using three separate FP-1 antisera (anti-epitopes 1, 2, and 3, panel a, b, c, respectively), pre-immune serum (panel d), and anti-β-tubulin antibody (panel e).

FIG. 16B is a photographic representation of a Western blot performed to test whether FP-1 was glycosylated. Total proteins of cultured rat vibrissa follicular papilla cells were digested with endoglycosidase-H (+) or left undigested (−) and the proteins were separated electrophoretically on an SDS/polyacrylamide gel. Immunoblotting was performed using two FP-1 antisera (anti-epitopes 2 and 3, panel a and b, respectively).

FIG. 16C is a photographic representation of immunofluorescent staining of FP-1 and COP I in cultured follicular papilla cells. Cultured rat vibrissa follicular papilla cells (FP) and fibroblasts (DF) at passage 4 were double stained with FP-1 rabbit antiserum (anti-epitope 3) and anti-COP I mouse monoclonal antibody.

FIG. 17A is a photographic representation of an ethidium bromide-stained gel showing the probe used for fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). A 2.1 kb rat FP-1 cDNA fragment (lane 2) was amplified by PCR using the plasmid containing the longest FP-1 clone (lane 1) as template.

FIG. 17B is a photographic representation of a biotin-labeled rat FP-1 probe localizing specifically to a mouse chromosome (arrow).

FIG. 17C is a photographic representation of DAPI staining of mouse chromosomes confirming that mouse FP-1 gene is localized on chromosome 9.

FIG. 17D is a diagrammatic representation of mouse chromosome 9 showing the position of the FP-1 gene as the 9B-C region (arrow).

FIG. 18A is a photographic representation of immunofluorescent staining of FP-1 on C57BL/6 mouse back skin at 3 days after hair depilation.

FIG. 18B is a photographic representation of immunofluorescent staining of FP-1 on C57BL/6 mouse back skin at 5 days after hair depilation.

FIG. 18C is a photographic representation of immunofluorescent staining of FP-1 on C57BL/6 mouse back skin at 5 days after hair depilation. In this case, note that the FP-1 antiserum was pre-adsorbed with peptide antigen prior to staining.

FIG. 18D is a photographic representation of immunofluorescent staining of FP-1 on C57BL/6 mouse back skin at 8 days after hair depilation.

FIG. 18E is a photographic representation of immunofluorescent staining of FP-1 on C57BL/6 mouse back skin at 8 days after hair depilation. In this case, note that the FP-1 antiserum was pre-adsorbed with peptide antigen prior to staining.

FIG. 18F is a photographic representation of immunofluorescent staining of FP-1 on C57BL/6 mouse back skin at 12 days after hair depilation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The patents and scientific literature cited herein establishes the knowledge that is available to those with skill in the art. The issued U.S. patents, published and allowed applications, and references cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods and materials, similar or equivalent to those described herein, can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, the preferred methods and materials are described herein.

The present invention relates to compositions and methods for modulating hair growth. Specifically, the present invention is based on the discovery of a protein, follicular papilla-1 (FP-1), which exhibits highly selective expression in the follicular papilla of the hair follicle. Significantly, the mouse FP-1 gene has been localized to a region of the mouse chromosome that has been implicated in a number of hair-related disorders. These discoveries have been exploited to develop the present invention, which relates to proteins and polynucleotides that control hair growth; compositions that control hair growth; compositions and methods for identifying and isolating follicular papilla cells; methods of controlling hair growth; methods for screening for agents that control hair growth; methods of diagnosing hair disorders; and methods of diagnosing cancers.

The outer surface of the hand, limb and body is covered by the epidermis, which is elaborated into a number of specialized appendages. One of the most prominent of these appendages is the hair follicle (FIG. 1A) which produces the hairs that fulfill a number of functions including thermoregulation, collecting sensory information, protection against environmental trauma, social communication, and mimicry (Sterm et al., Physiol. Rev. 81:449-494, 2001). Hair follicles have prolific growth characteristics and exhibit a complexity of differentiation (see, FIG. 1B). After initial embryonic morphogenesis, the hair follicle undergoes repeated cycles of regression and regeneration throughout the lifetime of an organism (Porter, J. Anat., 202:125-131, 2003).

Hair follicle morphogenesis is governed by a series of inductive signals between epidermal keratinocytes committed to hair follicle specific differentiation and the mesenchymal cells that form the follicular papilla (Hardy, Trends Genet., 8:55-61, 1992). Hair follicle precursors are first seen as thickenings or placodes in an otherwise uniform surface epithelium. These placodes send signals to the underlying dermis, causing the clustering of a group of cells—the dermal condensate—that will eventually form the follicular papilla. A second dermal signal from the dermal condensate to the follicular epithelium directs the proliferation and downgrowth of follicular epithelial cells into the dermis. These interactions eventually result in the morphogenesis of the hair bulb, in which keratinocytes rapidly proliferate and differentiate into six distinct cell populations, forming the medulla, cortex, and cuticle of the hair shaft, as well as the cuticle, Huxle and Henle layers of the inner root sheath (Bertolino et al., “Differentiation of the hair shaft,” in Differentiation of the Hair Shaft, pp. 21-37, Olsen E A (ed.), McGraw Hill, Inc. New York, 1994). The inner root sheath separates the hair shaft from the outer root sheath, which forms the external concentric layer of epithelial cells in the hair follicle (Botchkarev et al., J. Exp. Zool. Mol. Dev. Evol., 298 (1):164-180, 2003).

In humans, the formation of hair follicles takes place during embryogenesis, and no new hair follicles form after birth. However, the hair follicle is a highly dynamic structure, which undergoes remodeling throughout the life of a mammal, in a cycle of growth (anagen), regression (catagen), rest (telogen), and shedding (exogen) (Muller-Rover et al., J. Invest. Dermatol., 117:3-15, 2001; Cotsarelis et al., Trends Mol. Med., 7(7):293-301, 2001). During catagen, much of the follicle undergoes programmed cell death. The hair bulb shrinks and pulls away from the mesenchymal cluster of follicular papilla cells, which it previously enveloped. The whole hair follicle then retracts upwards toward the epidermal surface. During this retraction, it undergoes a carefully controlled remodeling to form a shortened structure that significantly, maintains its close association with the follicular papilla. After a period of rest in this shortened form, a signal that is thought to be from the follicular papilla initiates the next anagen phase (Porter, J. Anat., 202:125-131, 2003). Follicular regeneration requires the activation of rarely cycling epithelial stem cells located in the permanent, bulge region of the follicle (Cotsarelis et al., Cell, 61:1329-1337, 1990). Stem cell progeny form a new follicle matrix during early anagen, and the hair shaft and inner root sheath are derived from these relatively undifferentiated matrix cells (Oshima et al., Cell, 104:233-245, 2001).

It has been well established that follicular papilla cells of the hair follicle play a key role in controlling hair growth. First, the diameter and length of the hair fiber appears to be directly proportional to the size of the follicular papilla (Elliott et al., J. Invest. Dermatol., 1113:873-877, 1999). Second, the surgical removal of the lower half of the rat vibrissa follicle results in follicular degeneration which can be prevented if one implants a follicular papilla, or a pellet of cultured follicular papilla cells, at the bottom of the damaged follicle. Implantation of dermal fibroblasts, which are embryologically closely related to the follicular papilla cells, fail to support hair growth thus establishing the importance of follicular papilla cells in maintaining the viability of the upper follicle (Oliver, J. Embryol. Exp. Morphol., 15:331-347, 1966); Jahoda et al., Nature, 311:560-562, 1984). Like the vibrissa, the human follicle has also been shown to regenerate an active hair bulb after follicular amputation (Kim et al., Dermatol. Surg., 21 (4):312-313, 1995). Third, follicular papilla cells implanted under the interfollicular epidermis can induce the formation of new hair follicles; the structure of the induced follicle resembles the original follicle of the follicular papilla (Jahoda, C. A., Development, 115:1103-1109, 1992); Reynolds, A. J. et al., Nature, 402:33-34, 1999). Fourth, when cultured keratinocytes were combined with follicular papilla cells and grafted onto a nude (athymic) mouse, hair follicles were generated; however, no hair grew when cultured keratinocytes that were mixed with dermal fibroblasts were grafted onto nude mice (Kamimura et al., J. Invest. Dermatol., 109(4):534-40, 1997). Fifth, Jahoda et al. recently showed trans-species hair induction by human scalp follicular papilla cells, but not dermal fibroblasts (Jahoda et al., Exp. Dermatol., 10(4):229-37, 2001). Sixth, minoxidil has been shown to upregulate the synthesis and secretion of VEGF by cultured follicular papilla cells thus providing a possible explanation of the minoxidil stimulation of hair growth (Lachgar et al., Br. J. Dermatol., 138:407-411, 1998). Finally, recent data indicate that hair follicular epithelial stem cells reside in the bulge, and that the interaction between follicular papilla and bulge during telogen may play a role in activating the stem cells allowing the follicle to enter into a new anagen (Cotsarelis et al., Cell, 61:1329-1337, 1990; Taylor et al., Cell, 102:451-461, 2000). Taken together, these results clearly indicate that follicular papilla cells, unlike their closely related dermal fibroblasts, are endowed with a unique capacity to maintain and to support the growth of the hair follicle.

Given the important role of the follicular papilla in regulating the morphogenesis of the hair follicle, it is of interest to define the molecular basis for why the follicular papilla cells, but not their closely related dermal fibroblasts, support hair growth. Accordingly, a rat follicular papilla-specific subtractive cDNA library was constructed to identify polynucleotides that were selectively expressed in the follicular papilla. The most abundant cDNA that was isolated from this library was named follicular papilla-1 (FP-1). This cDNA was then used to identify the full length rat cDNA.

The rat FP-1 polynucleotide (FIG. 2, SEQ ID NO:1) encodes a protein of 549 amino acids (FIG. 2, SEQ ID NO:2). A second cDNA (FIG. 3, SEQ ID NO:3), which likely corresponds to an alternatively spliced product of the rat FP-1 gene, encodes a protein of 531 amino acids (FIG. 3, SEQ ID NO:4). A search of the GENBANK® database for other FP-1 related proteins led to the discovery of rat gliomedin (FIG. 4, Accession Number AAP22419; SEQ ID NO:6), a mouse protein named cancer related gene-liver 2 (Crg-L2) (FIG. 5, Graveel et al., Oncogene, 22:1730-1736, 2003; Accession Number NP_(—)796324; SEQ ID NO: 8), and a human protein named likely ortholog of mouse cancer related gene-liver 2 (FIG. 6, Accession Number NP_(—)861454; SEQ ID NO: 10). An alignment of the rat, mouse, and human sequence (FIG. 8) indicated a high level of homology between these proteins. Interestingly, the human sequence listed in GENBANK® lacks the N-terminal region that is conserved between the mouse and the rat. Thus, it is likely that the human sequence listed in GENBANK® is an incomplete amino acid sequence. Accordingly, the present invention provides the amino acid sequence corresponding to a full-length human FP-1 protein (FIG. 7, SEQ ID NO:12). These rat (SEQ ID NOS: 2, 4, 6), mouse (SEQ ID NO: 8) and human (SEQ ID NOS:10 and 12) proteins, and any portions, derivatives, or variants thereof, are collectively referred to herein as “FP-1 proteins.” The rat, mouse, and human FP-1 proteins have an N-terminal signal peptide sequence (FIG. 15) of about 33 amino acids (see for example, amino acids 1 to 33 of SEQ ID NO:2).

All the FP-1 proteins also possess amino acid sequences (see, e.g., amino acid 139-222 and 230-251 of SEQ ID NO:2) that are homologous to collagen triple helix repeat (20 copies) and several collagen family members such as collagen types IV, XIII and XV (FIG. 10B). Collagens are generally extracellular structural proteins involved in the formation of connective tissue structure. Collagen triple helix repeats contain 20 copies of the G-X-Y repeat (wherein G is glycine; X is any amino acid residue, but is frequently proline; and Y is any amino acid residue, but is frequently hydroxyproline) that forms a triple helix. Collagens are post-translationally modified by proline hydroxylase to form the hydroxyproline residues.

The FP-1 proteins are further characterized by the presence of an olfactomedin-related domain (see, e.g., amino acids 253-543 of SEQ ID NO:2). This domain was first identified in olfactomedin, which is an extracellular matrix glycoprotein specifically expressed in olfactory neuroepithelium (Snyder et al., Biochem., 30(38):9143-153, 1991). Olfactomedin forms homopolymers through disulfide bonds and carbohydrate interactions (Bal et al., Biochemistry, 32(4):1047-53, 1993) and has been suggested to influence the growth and differentiation of chemosensory olfactory cilia (Yokoe et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 90:4655-4659, 1993). In addition to olfactomedin, this domain is also found in a wide variety of proteins such as amassin, noelin, myocilin, and tiarin. Interestingly, the olfactomedin domain is primarily found in extracellular proteins. Olfactomedin domain-containing proteins have been reported to possess at least seven amino acid segments of conservation (regions 1, 3, and 5 through 9) (Green et al., Mol. Cell. Prot., 1.5:394-403, 2002). These seven segments are also conserved in FP-1 proteins (see, FIG. 10C).

FP-1 proteins also have six potential glycosylation sites (FIG. 15, amino acids 130, 156, 252, 326, 354 and 461 of SEQ ID NO:2). When cell extracts having FP-1 are treated with endoglycosidase H, the molecular weight of rat FP-1 decreased from 72 kDa to roughly 60 kDa. Thus, FP-1 is a glycoprotein.

A survey of various rat tissues using Northern blot analysis indicated that FP-1 is expressed at an extremely high level in cultured rat vibrissa follicular papilla cells, and can be detected at low levels in the stomach and ovary. However, FP-1 was not detectable in the diaphragm, esophagus, stomach, brain, lung, heart, liver, spleen, kidney, bladder, intestine, colon, uterus, prostate, testis, and skeletal muscle (see, FIG. 14).

FP-1 is an extracellular matrix protein. The extracellular matrix of the follicular papilla undergoes cyclic changes such that it is completely degraded and removed during catagen, and then resynthesized and deposited in early to late anagen. These changes are important for the hair follicle cycle and thus hair growth. Thus, at least in part, FP-1 regulates hair growth by modulating the extracellular matrix of the hair follicle. Cross-species fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) on mouse chromosomes using rat FP-1 cDNA indicated that FP-1 is located on mouse chromosome 9 in the B-C region. This was confirmed by a BLAST search performed using rat FP-1 cDNA against the mouse genomic database after the completion of the Mouse Genome Program. Importantly, this region has three hair-related mutants, including rough fur (ruf), rough coat (rc) and fur deficient (fd).

The present invention provides isolated polynucleotides encoding FP-1. The polynucleotides of the invention can be DNA or RNA molecules that are single-stranded or double-stranded. The polynucleotides can include, but are not limited to, RNA, cDNA, genomic DNA, semisynthetic DNA or RNA, and chemically synthesized DNA or RNA sequences.

The polynucleotides comprise the sequences set forth as SEQ ID NO:1, SEQ ID NO:3 or SEQ ID NO:11. The invention also provides a nucleic acid sequence that encodes a polypeptide comprising SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:4, or SEQ ID NO:12.

Alternatively, the isolated polynucleotides of the invention comprise a nucleic acid sequence that is homologous to any one of SEQ ID NO:1, SEQ ID NO:3 or SEQ ID NO: 11. By “homologous” is meant a polynucleotide that has at least about 70%, at least about 80%, at least about 90%, at least about 95%, or at least about 98% nucleotide sequence identity to a given nucleotide sequence, which can be determined by any standard nucleotide sequence identity algorithms such as, but not limited to, the GCG program (Devereux et al., Nucl. Acids Res., 12(1): 387, 1984), BLASTN (GENBANK®), and FASTA (Altschul et al., J. Mol. Biol., 215:403, 1990). For example, the invention provides an isolated polynucleotide comprising a nucleic acid sequence that has about 90%, or about 95% nucleic acid sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:1, SEQ ID NO:3, or SEQ ID NO: 11, wherein the isolated polynucleotide molecule encodes a protein that controls hair growth. By “controls hair growth” is meant to increase or decrease hair growth, or change the texture/structure of the hair shaft (e.g., rough, smooth, fragile, curly, etc.), relative to hair growth or hair texture in skin, hair follicles or follicular papilla not contacted with a polynucleotide, polypeptide, agent or composition of the invention. Some useful methods for determining whether FP-1 increases or decreases hair growth are described in the Examples below as well as in Philpott et al., Whole Hair Follicle Culture, in Dermatologic Clinics (Whiting D., ed.) 14(4): 595-607 (1966) and the references cited therein; and Wilson et al., Differentiation 55:127-136 (1994). Hair texture and structure can be assessed by direct visual study or by microscopy.

The polynucleotides of the invention alternatively comprise a nucleic acid sequence that is homologous to a nucleic acid sequence that encodes a polypeptide comprising SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:4 or SEQ ID NO:12. For example, the polynucleotide may comprise a nucleic acid sequence that has about 90%, or about 95% nucleic acid sequence identity to a nucleic acid sequence that encodes a polypeptide comprising SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:4 or SEQ ID NO:12, wherein the isolated polynucleotide molecule encodes a protein that increases or decreases hair growth, or changes hair texture.

The isolated polynucleotide of the invention specifically hybridize under moderately stringent or highly stringent conditions to a complement of a polynucleotide sequence comprising SEQ ID NO:1, SEQ ID NO:3 or SEQ ID NO:11, wherein the polynucleotide sequence encodes a protein that controls hair growth. As used herein, the phrase “specifically hybridizing” means the ability of a nucleic acid molecule to recognize another nucleic acid sequence by forming base pairs with it through hydrogen bonding, under moderately or highly stringent hybridization conditions. By “moderately stringent conditions” is meant hybridization to filter-bound DNA in 0.5 M NaHPO4, 7% sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), 1 mM EDTA at 65° C., and washing in 0.2×SSC/0.1% SDS at 42° C. (see, Ausubel et al. (eds.), Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, Vol. I, 1989, Green Publishing Associates, Inc., and John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York at p. 2.10.3). By “highly stringent conditions” is meant hybridization to filter-bound DNA in 0.5 M NaHPO4, 7% sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), 1 mM EDTA at 65° C., and washing in 0.1×SSC/0.1% SDS at 68° C. (Ausubel et al., supra). The polynucleotides of the invention specifically hybridize under moderately stringent or highly stringent conditions to a complement of a polynucleotide sequence comprising a nucleotide sequence that encodes a polypeptide having SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:4 or SEQ ID NO:12, wherein the polynucleotide sequence encodes a protein that increases or decreases hair growth, or changes hair texture.

Additionally, the invention provides an isolated polynucleotide that is the complement of the polynucleotide comprising any of the polynucleotides of the previous aspects.

The polynucleotides of the invention may be produced by hybridizing the polynucleotide having SEQ ID NO:1, SEQ ID NO:3 or SEQ ID NO:11 to genomic DNA under moderately stringent or highly stringent hybridization conditions and isolating the DNA polynucleotide hybridized to the polynucleotide having SEQ ID NO:1, SEQ ID NO:3 or SEQ ID NO:11. The genomic DNA can be from any eukaryotic organism including mammals, especially humans. Methods of hybridizing a polynucleotide to genomic DNA are well known in the art (Sambrook et al., Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, Third Edition, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press).

The polynucleotides of the invention can be modified by the addition of flanking sequences such as, but not limited to, restriction enzyme recognition sequences, adaptors, nucleic acid sequences encoding epitopes recognized by antibodies (e.g., His, Flag, Myc, HA, MBP, GST) and nucleic acid sequences encoding proteins that permit detection of the fusion protein (e.g., GFP). Methods of adding or ligating desired DNA sequences to a DNA sequence of interest are well known in the art (Sambrook et al., ibid.).

The polynucleotides of the invention can also be mutated to generate polynucleotides that encode mutant FP-1 proteins. A polynucleotide sequence can be mutated by, for example, introducing one or more point mutations (e.g., a missense or nonsense mutation) or by inserting or deleting one or more bases. Any technique for mutagenesis known in the art can be used, including but not limited to, chemical mutagenesis, in vitro site-directed mutagenesis, PCR-based overlap extension, and PCR-based megaprimer mutagenesis. Methods of generating mutations in a DNA sequence are well within the skill of one of ordinary skill in the art (see, Sambrook et al., supra; Hutchinson et al., J. Biol. Chem., 253:6551, 1978; Ho et al., Gene, 77:51-59, 1989; Sarkar et al., Biotechniques, 8:404-407, 1990; and Stratagene's QuikChange® Kit).

The invention provides oligonucleotides that hybridize to any of the aforementioned polynucleotides of the present invention, or that hybridize to a polynucleotide molecule having a nucleotide sequence that is the complement of any of the aforementioned polynucleotides of the invention. Such oligonucleotide molecules are at least about 10 nucleotides in length, at least about 20 nucleotides in length, at least about 30 nucleotides in length or at least about 40 nucleotides in length, and hybridize to one or more of the aforementioned polynucleotide molecules under moderately or highly stringent hybridization conditions. For shorter oligonucleotide molecules, an example of highly stringent conditions includes washing in 6×SSC/0.5% sodium pyrophosphate at about 37° C. for about 14-base oligonucleotides, at approximately 48° C. for about 17 bp oligonucleotides, at approximately 55° C. for about 20 bp oligonucleotides and at approximately 60° C. for about 23-40 base oligonucleotides. Hybridization conditions can of course be appropriately adjusted as known in the art, depending upon the particular oligonucleotide molecules utilized.

The oligonucleotides of the present invention are useful in a variety of purposes, including as primers in amplifying a FP-1 encoding polynucleotide, or as antisense molecules useful in regulating expression of FP-1 genes and gene products. A “gene product” means a product encoded by a gene, including the transcribed RNA message (including exons and introns), the spliced messenger RNA (mRNA), and the translated protein product encoded by the respective mRNA. Amplification of FP-1 polynucleotides can be carried out using suitably designed oligonucleotide molecules in conjunction with standard techniques, such as the polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

The present invention also provides recombinant cloning and expression vectors comprising any of the polynucleotide molecules of the invention. The choice of the vector and/or expression control sequences to which any of the polynucleotides of the present invention is operably linked depends directly, as well known in the art, on the functional properties desired, e.g., protein expression, and the host cell to be transformed. The regulatory sequences that are used for modulating the expression of an operably linked, protein-encoding sequence are known in the art and include, but are not limited to, inducible promoters, constitutive promoters, enhancers, and other regulatory elements known in the art that serve to drive and/or regulate expression of the polynucleotide coding sequences. The inducible promoter may be readily controlled, such as being responsive to a nutrient in the host cell's medium.

The vectors of the invention containing a polynucleotide according to the invention can include a prokaryotic replicon, i.e., a DNA sequence having the ability to direct autonomous replication and maintenance of the recombinant DNA molecule extra-chromosomally in a prokaryotic host cell, such as a bacterial host cell, transformed therewith. Such replicons are well known in the art. In addition, vectors that include a prokaryotic replicon may also include a gene whose expression confers a detectable marker such as drug resistance. Typical bacterial drug resistance genes are those that confer resistance to ampicillin, chloramphenicol, kanamycin or tetracycline. Vectors that include a prokaryotic replicon can further include a prokaryotic or bacteriophage promoter capable of directing the expression (transcription and translation) of the coding gene sequences in a bacterial host cell, such as E. coli. A promoter is an expression control element formed by a DNA sequence that permits binding of RNA polymerase, and permits transcription to occur. Promoter sequences compatible with bacterial hosts are typically provided in plasmid vectors containing convenient restriction sites for insertion of a polynucleotide or any fragment thereof of the present invention. Typical non-limiting prokaryotic vector plasmids include pUC8, pUC9, pBR322, pBR329 (BioRad Laboratories), pKK223-2 (Clontech), pSE280, pSE380, pSE420, pTrx-Fus, pRSET, pBAD/HisABC, pTrcHis (Invitrogen), pET-3, pET-11, pCAL-n-EK, pCAL-n (Stratagene), pFLAG-1, pFLAG-ATS, pFLAG-CTS, pFLAGShift(12) (Kodak), pET-14b, pET-15b, pET-30LIC, pET-32LIC (Novagen), pMC1871, pRIT2T and pKK223-3 (Pharmacia).

Suitable yeast vectors for use in the present invention are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,291,212, and include YRp7 (Struhl et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 76: 1035-1039, 1978), YEp13 (Broach et al., Gene, 8:121-133, 1979), pJDB249 and pJDB219 (Beggs, Nature, 275:104-108, 1978). Such vectors generally include a selectable marker, which may be one of any number of genes that exhibit a dominant phenotype for which a phenotypic assay exists to enable transformants to be selected. Non-limiting examples of selectable markers include those that complement host cell auxotrophy, provide antibiotic resistance or enable a cell to utilize specific carbon sources, and include LEU2 (Broach et al. ibid.), URA3 (Botstein et al., Gene, 8:17, 1979), HIS3 (Struhl et al., ibid.) or POT1 (Kawasaki and Bell, EP 171142). Other suitable selectable markers include the CAT gene, which confers chloramphenicol resistance on yeast cells. Examples of promoters for use in yeast include promoters from yeast glycolytic genes (Hitzeman et al., J Biol. Chem., 225:12073-12080, 1980; Alber and Kawasaki, J. Mol. Appl. Genet., 1:419-434, 1982; Kawasaki, U.S. Pat. No. 4,599,311) or alcohol dehydrogenase genes (Young et al., in Genetic Engineering of Microorganisms for Chemicals, Hollander et al., (eds.), p. 355, Plenum, N.Y., 1982; Ammerer, Meth. Enzymol. 101: 192-201, 1983). Non-limiting examples of yeast promoters include the TPI1 promoter and the ADH promoter. The yeast expression vector may further comprise a transcriptional terminator such as the TPI1 terminator (Alber and Kawasaki, ibid.).

In addition to yeast, polynucleotides of the present invention can be expressed in filamentous fungi, for example, strains of the fungi Aspergillus. Examples of useful promoters include those derived from Aspergillus nidulans glycolytic genes, such as the ADH3 promoter (McKnight et al., EMBO J., 4:2093-2099, 1985) and the tpiA promoter. An example of a suitable terminator is the ADH3 terminator (McKnight et al., ibid.). The expression units utilizing such components may be cloned into vectors that are capable of insertion into the chromosomal DNA of Aspergillus.

Expression vectors compatible with mammalian cells can also be used to express the polynucleotides of the present invention. Eukaryotic cell expression vectors are well known in the art and are available from several commercial sources. Typically, such vectors are provided containing convenient restriction sites for insertion of the desired polynucleotide or any fragment thereof. Such vectors may further include a selectable marker that is effective in a eukaryotic cell, preferably a drug resistance selection marker. A useful drug resistance marker is the gene whose expression results in neomycin resistance, i.e., the neomycin phosphotransferase (neo) gene (Southern et al., J. of Mol. and Appl. Genet., 1(4):327-341, 1982). Alternatively, the selectable marker can be present on a separate plasmid, and the two vectors are introduced by co-transfection of the host cell, and selected by culturing in the appropriate drug for the selectable marker. Mammalian expression vectors for use in carrying out the present invention will include a promoter capable of directing the transcription of a cloned gene or cDNA. Such promoters include viral promoters (e.g., the major late promoter from adenovirus 2 (Kaufman and Sharp, Mol. Cell. Biol., 2: 1304-1319, 1982) and the SV40 promoter (Subramani et al., Mol. Cell. Biol., 1: 854-864, 1981) and cellular promoters (e.g., mouse metallothionein 1 promoter (Palmiter et al., Science, 222:809-814, 1983)). These expression vectors may further comprise enhancers. In addition, these expression vectors may also contain a set of RNA splice sites located downstream from the promoter and upstream from the polynucleotide encoding the protein. RNA splice sites may be obtained from adenovirus and/or immunoglobulin genes. Also contained in the expression vectors is a polyadenylation signal located downstream of the coding sequence of interest. Polyadenylation signals include the early or late polyadenylation signals from SV40 (Kaufman and Sharp, ibid.), the polyadenylation signal from the adenovirus 5 E1B region and the human growth hormone gene terminator (DeNoto et al., Nuc. Acids Res., 9:3719-3730, 1981). The expression vectors may include a noncoding viral leader sequence, such as the adenovirus 2 tripartite leader, located between the promoter and the RNA splice sites. Non-limiting examples of eukaryotic expression vectors include pACT, pCI, pCI-neo, pCMVTNT™ (Promega), pTet-On™, pTet-Off™, PMAM neo, IRES Bicistronic, pRetro-Off™, pRetro-On™ (Clontech), pWE1, pWE2, pWE3, pWE4 (ATCC®), pIND(SP1), pCDM8, pcDNA1.1, pcDNA3.1, pZeoSV2, pRcCMV2, pRcRSV, ptracer (Invitrogen Corp.), pSVL, pMSG (Pharmacia), pBPV-1/pML2d (International Biotechnologies, Inc.), pCMVScript™, pBK-CMV, and pBK-RSV (Stratagene).

Methods for constructing recombinant vectors are well known in the art, and any of these can be used to construct the vectors of the present invention. These methods include in vitro recombinant techniques, synthetic techniques, and in vivo genetic recombination (see e.g., Sambrook et al., supra, Ausubel et al., supra).

The present invention further provides host cells comprising a polynucleotide molecule or recombinant vector of the invention. Host cells useful in the practice of the invention include prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells such as mammalian, insect, fungal, plant, bacterial, viral and baculoviral cells. Appropriate host cells can be chosen that modify and process the gene product in the specific fashion desired. Different host cells have characteristic mechanisms for the translational and post-translational processing and modification (e.g., glycosylation, phosphorylation) of proteins. For example, expression in a bacterial system can be used to produce an unglycosylated protein product. Expression in mammalian cells can be used to ensure “native” processing of a protein product. Further, different vector/host expression systems can affect processing reactions to different degrees. Non-limiting examples of prokaryotic host cells include the E. coli strains HB101, JM101, DH5α, LE392, RR1, XL1-Blue and KW251. Non-limiting examples of eukaryotic host cells include, COS, 293, 293T, CHO, CV-1, Hela, NIH3T3, BHK, C33A, U20S, and primary follicular papilla cells.

The recombinant vector of the invention is transformed or transfected into one or more host cells of a substantially homogenous culture of cells. Methods of transforming and/or transfecting cells are well known in the art. The expression vector is generally introduced into host cells in accordance with known techniques such as e.g., by protoplast transformation, calcium phosphate precipitation, calcium chloride treatment, microinjection, electroporation, transfection by contact with recombined virus, liposome-mediated transfection, DEAE-dextran transfection, transduction, conjugation, or microprojectile bombardment. Selection of transformants can be conducted by standard procedures, such as by selecting for cells expressing a selectable marker, e.g., antibiotic resistance associated with the recombinant vector, as described above. Once the expression vector is introduced into the host cell, the integration and maintenance of the polynucleotides of the invention, either episomally or in the host cell chromosome can be confirmed by standard techniques, e.g., by Southern hybridization analysis, restriction enzyme analysis, PCR analysis, RT-PCR, or by immunological assays to detect the expected gene product. Host cells containing and/or expressing the recombinant polynucleotide of the invention can be identified by any approach known in the art, including: (i) DNA-DNA, DNA-RNA, or RNA-antisense RNA hybridization; (ii) detecting the presence of “marker” gene functions; (iii) assessing the level of transcription as measured by the expression of the mRNAs produced by the recombinant polynucleotide in the host cell; and (iv) detecting the presence of a mature polypeptide product as measured by, for example, an immunoassay.

Once a polynucleotide of the invention has been introduced into an appropriate host cell, the transformed host cell is cultured under conditions conducive to the maximum production of the polypeptide encoded by the recombinant polynucleotide. Such conditions typically include, e.g., growing cells to high density. Where the expression vector comprises an inducible promoter, appropriate induction conditions such as temperature shift, exhaustion of nutrients, and addition of gratuitous inducers (e.g., zinc chloride, analogs of carbohydrates such as IPTG, etc.) are employed as needed to induce expression. Where the expressed polypeptide is retained inside the host cells, the cells are harvested and lysed, and the polypeptide is isolated and purified from the lysate under extraction conditions known in the art to minimize protein degradation such as, e.g., at 4° C. and/or in the presence of protease inhibitors. Where the expressed polypeptide is secreted from the host cells, the nutrient medium can simply be collected and the polypeptide isolated therefrom.

The polypeptide can be isolated or substantially purified from cell lysates or culture medium, as appropriate, using standard methods including, but not limited to, any combination of the following methods: ammonium sulfate precipitation, gel filtration chromatography, ion exchange chromatography, HPLC, density centrifugation, affinity chromatography and immuno-affinity chromatography. If the polypeptide exhibits any measurable biological activity, increasing purity of the polypeptide preparation can be monitored at each step of the purification procedure by use of an appropriate assay. Whether or not the polypeptide exhibits biological activity, it can be detected at each step of the purification based on size or reactivity with an antibody raised to the polypeptide or by detection with an antibody that binds a fusion tag attached to the protein.

The present invention thus provides a substantially purified or isolated polypeptide encoded by a polynucleotide molecule of the present invention. As used herein, a polypeptide is “substantially purified” where the polypeptide constitutes the majority (i.e., at least about 50%) by weight of the material in a particular preparation.

The polypeptides useful in the method of the invention include rat FP-1 gene products comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of, the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:2 or SEQ ID NO:4. In one embodiment, the polypeptide is a rat FP-1 gene product comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of amino acids 34 to 549 of SEQ ID NO:2. The polypeptide, alternatively, is a rat FP-1 gene product comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of amino acids 34 to 531 of SEQ ID NO:4. Any of the amino acid sequences lacking the signal peptide can further comprise an initiating methionine residue.

The present invention also provides an isolated polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence encoded by any one of the polynucleotides of the invention. For example, the polypeptide is a human FP-1 gene product comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of SEQ ID NO: 12. Alternatively, the polypeptide is a human FP-1 gene product comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of amino acid 34 to 551 of SEQ ID NO: 12.

The substantially purified or isolated polypeptides of the present invention are useful for a variety of purposes, such as increasing or decreasing hair growth, changing hair texture, regulating the length of the anagen phase of the hair follicle cycle, screening for proteins or compounds that interact with FP-1 and alter its ability to control hair growth, and for raising antibodies directed to the polypeptide. Such compounds and antibodies can be used in therapeutic methods to treat or prevent hair disorders.

Also within the scope of the present invention are FP-1 proteins or FP-1 fusion proteins comprising one or more amino acid substitutions, insertions or deletions occur in the FP-1 proteins. Such proteins may function as dominant-negative forms of FP-1. The mutant FP-1 proteins or the polynucleotides coding them can be administered to a subject to inhibit or decrease hair growth. Mutant FP-1 encompassed by the invention include, but are not limited to, FP-1 proteins with a deletion or substitution of one or more amino acids in the collagen triple helix repeats, and FP-1 proteins with a deletion or substitution of one or more amino acids in the olfactomedin-related domain.

Non-limiting examples of mutations in the collagen triple helix repeats of FP-1 include, (i) deletion of amino acids 139-222 of SEQ ID NO:2 (or the corresponding region in SEQ ID NOS: 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12); (ii) deletion of amino acids 230-250 of SEQ ID NO:2 (or the corresponding region in SEQ ID NOS: 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12); (iii) deletion of amino acids 139-165 (or the corresponding † region in SEQ ID NOS: 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12); (iv) deletion of amino acids 166-195 (or the corresponding region in SEQ ID NOS: 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12); (v) deletion of amino acids 196-222 (or the corresponding region in SEQ ID NOS: 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12); (vi) mutations of one or more glycines in the region encompassing amino acids 139-222 of SEQ ID NO:2 (or the corresponding region in SEQ ID NOS: 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12) to any other amino acid; and (vii) mutations of one or more glycines in the region encompassing amino acids 230-250 of SEQ ID NO:2 (or the corresponding region in SEQ ID NOS: 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12) to any other amino acid. In one embodiment, the FP-1 proteins with mutations in the collagen triple helix repeat region have decreased or no binding to collagen. Methods of determining binding between mutant FP-1 proteins and collagen can be performed using methods well known in the art. For example, the binding of FP-1 and its mutants to collagen type 1 or other types may be studied using well established methods including gel electrophoresis and affinity chromatography (Keller et al., Biochim. Biophys. Acta, 882(1):1-5, 1986). The binding constant can be assessed using affinity co-electrophoresis as described by San Antonio et al. (J. Cell Biol., 125(5):1178-1188). This method can be used to compare the binding of FP-1 to procollagen or collagen fibrils in order to determine whether the binding is collagen assembly-dependent. Finally, the collagen domain that is responsible for the binding of FP-1 can be mapped using synthetic peptides or paryial collagen fragments made as recombinant proteins (Knight et al., J. Biol. Chem., 273(50):33287-33294, 1998).

Non-limiting examples of mutations in the olfactomedin-related domain of FP-1 include, (i) deletion of amino acids 315-325 of SEQ ID NO:2 (or the corresponding region in SEQ ID NOS: 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12); (ii) deletion of amino acids 366-382 of SEQ ID NO:2 (or the corresponding region in SEQ ID NOS: 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12); (iii) deletion of amino acids 408-437 of SEQ ID NO:2 (or the corresponding region in SEQ ID NOS: 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12); (iv) deletion of amino acids 441-466 of SEQ ID NO:2 (or the corresponding region in SEQ ID NOS: 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12); (v) deletion of amino acids 468-484 of SEQ ID NO:2 (or the corresponding region in SEQ ID NOS: 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12); (vi) deletion of amino acids 487-494 of SEQ ID NO:2 (or the corresponding region in SEQ ID NOS: 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12); (vii) deletion of amino acids 519-539 of SEQ ID NO:2 (or the corresponding region in SEQ ID NOS: 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12); (viii) deletion of any combination of the amino acids listed above; (ix) mutation of one or more of G318, W320, R322, E323, G368, G370, A372, V373, Y374, N375, S377, L378, Y379, Y380, K382, F409, Y413, I424, A425, V426, D427, E428, G430, L431, W432, I433, I434, Y435, A436, I444, L445, V446, L449, T453, V456, N461, T462, Y464, K466, A469, N471, A472, F473, A475, G477, I478, L479, Y480, V481, T482, T484, T490, F491, A492, F493, D494, Y519, N520, D523, L526, Y527, W529, E530, D531, G532, H533, L534, Y537 and V539 of SEQ ID NO:2 (or the corresponding amino acid in SEQ ID NOS: 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12) to any other amino acid; (ix) FP-1 comprising a mutation at Y480 of SEQ ID NO:2 (or the corresponding amino acid in SEQ ID NOS: 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12) to any amino acid, for example, but not limited to, histidine and asparagine; (x) FP-1 comprising a mutation at A469 of SEQ ID NO:2 (or the corresponding amino acid in SEQ ID NOS: 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12) to any amino acid, for example, but not limited to, phenylalanine, tyrosine and aspartic acid; (xi) FP-1 comprising a mutation at Y480 of SEQ ID NO:2 (or the corresponding amino acid in SEQ ID NOS: 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12) to any amino acid, for example, but not limited to, histidine and asparagines; and (xii) FP-1 comprising a mutation at N519 of SEQ ID NO:2 (or the corresponding amino acid in SEQ ID NOS: 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12) to any amino acid, for example, but not limited to, lysine and arginine.

In addition, the invention encompasses FP-1 proteins with mutations at one or more of the glycosylation sites of FP-1 that prevent its glycosylation. In one embodiment, N130, N156, S252, N326, N354 and N461 are mutated to a different amino acid residue such as, but not limited to, glycine. Glycosylation of FP-1 and mutant FP-1 proteins can be assessed by comparing SDS-PAGE mobilities of the unmutated and mutated FP-1 proteins. N-glycosylation of each potential glycosylation site will increase the apparent SDS gel molecular weight by approximately 2 kD. Thus, the mutation of one such N-glycosylation site in FP-1 will decrease the molecular weight of FP-1 by 2 kD.

In addition, the invention encompasses FP-1 proteins, or any hair growth-controlling portion thereof, that are fusion proteins. A protein or peptide may be fused either at the N- or C-terminus of FP-1 proteins. In one embodiment, an FP-1 protein is fused to an epitope tag selected from the group consisting of His, Flag, Myc, HA, MBP and GST.

The present invention further provides polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies, or portions thereof, that bind to the polypeptides or peptide fragments of the invention, or to a homologous polypeptide or peptide fragment of the invention. The term “antibody” as used herein refers to immunoglobulin molecules and immunologically active portions of immunoglobulin molecules, i.e., molecules that contain an antigen binding site which specifically binds (immunoreacts with) an antigen, such as FP-1. Antigen-binding fragments are also intended to be designated by the term “antibody.” Examples of binding fragments encompassed within the term antibody include Fab, Fd, Fv, dAb, F(ab′)₂, and single chain Fv (scFv). For example, antibody fragments for use in the present invention are those which are capable of crosslinking their target antigen, e.g., bivalent fragments such as F(ab′)₂ fragments. In another embodiment, an antibody fragment which does not itself crosslink its target antigen (e.g., a Fab fragment) can be used in conjunction with a secondary antibody which serves to crosslink the antibody fragment, thereby crosslinking the target antigen. An antibody of the invention is further intended to include bispecific and chimeric molecules having a desired binding portion (e.g., FP-1).

An antibody of the present invention is used to detect the polypeptides of the invention; as affinity reagents with which to purify the polypeptides of the invention; as reagents to isolate follicular papilla cells; or to control the activity of the polypeptide of the invention. In this context, “controls hair growth” is meant to increase or decrease hair growth relative to hair growth in skin, hair follicles or follicular papilla not contacted with an antibody of the invention. For example, an antibody that binds FP-1 controls the activity of FP-1 by increasing or decreasing its ability to control hair growth. Methods of determining whether FP-1 increases or decreases hair growth can be assayed using any of the methods described or used in the Examples.

Polyclonal antibodies can be obtained from immunized animals and tested for specificity using standard techniques (Harlow et al., Antibodies: A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, 1988). Alternatively, monoclonal antibodies to any of the polypeptides of the invention can be prepared using any technique that provides for the production of antibody molecules by continuous cell lines in culture. These include, but are not limited to, the hybridoma technique originally described by Kohler and Milstein (Nature, 256:495-497, 1975); the human B-cell hybridoma technique (Kosbor et al., Immunol. Today, 4:72, 1983; Cote et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 80:2026-2030, 1983); and the EBV-hybridoma technique (Cole et al., Monoclonal Antibodies and Cancer Therapy, Alan R. Liss, Inc., pp. 77-96) and any other methods known in the art (Golding, Monoclonal Antibodies: Principles and Practice, Academic Press, 1996). Alternatively, techniques described for the production of single chain antibodies (e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,946,778) can be adapted to produce single chain antibodies to the polypeptides of the present invention.

An anti-FP-1 antibody or a fragment thereof may be attached or coupled to a surface (e.g., cell surface, beads etc.). Beads that are used in the invention include, but are not limited to biodegradable beads, magnetic beads, and polymer microbeads. An antibody or fragment thereof can be immobilized directly or indirectly by, for example, by a secondary antibody, to a surface, such as a tissue culture flask or bead (see, for e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,352,694 and 6,129,916). Alternatively, antibodies can be coupled to a surface, e.g., beads by crosslinking via covalent modification, using tosyl linkage. In one method, an antibody such as anti-FP-1 is in 0.05 M borate buffer, pH 9.5 and added to tosyl activated magnetic immunobeads (Dynal Inc., Great Neck, N.Y.) according to the manufacturer's instructions. After a 24 hr incubation at 22° C., the beads are collected and washed extensively. It is not essential that immunomagnetic beads be used, as other methods are also satisfactory.

In one embodiment of the invention, an FP-1 protein, or a portion of an FP-1 protein, or a modified form of an FP-1 protein, capable of modulating hair growth is localized on the surface of a cell. This can be accomplished by transfecting a cell with a polynucleotide encoding the FP-1 protein in a form suitable for its expression on the cell surface or alternatively by coupling an FP-1 protein to the cell surface.

The FP-1 proteins may be expressed on the surface of a cell by transfection of the cell with a polynucleotide encoding the FP-1 molecule in a form suitable for expression of the molecule on the surface of the cell. The terms “transfection” or “transfected with” refers to the introduction of exogenous nucleic acid into a mammalian cell and encompass a variety of techniques useful for introduction of nucleic acids into mammalian cells including electroporation, calcium-phosphate precipitation, DEAE-dextran treatment, lipofection, microinjection and infection with viral vectors. Suitable methods for transfecting mammalian cells can be found in Sambrook et al., (Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, 2nd Edition, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, 1989) and other laboratory textbooks. The nucleic acid to be introduced may be any nucleic acid encompassing a polynucleotide encoding FP-1, sense strand RNA encoding FP-1, or a recombinant expression vector containing a cDNA encoding FP-1. Expression of FP-1 on the surface of a cell can be accomplished, for example, by including the transmembrane domain of a protein that localizes to the cell surface in the nucleic acid sequence, or by including signals which lead to modification of the protein, such as a C-terminal inositol-phosphate linkage, that allows for association of the molecule with the outer surface of the cell membrane. Expression of the FP-1 protein on the surface of the cell can be confirmed by immunofluorescence staining of the cells. For example, cells may be stained with a fluorescently labeled monoclonal antibody reactive against the FP-1 molecule.

Alternatively, FP-1 proteins can be coupled to the cell surface by any of a variety of different methods. The terms “coupled” or “coupling” refer to a chemical, enzymatic or other means (e.g., antibody) by which the FP-1 molecule is linked to a cell such that the FP-1 molecule is present on the surface of the cell. For example, the FP-1 molecule can be chemically crosslinked to the cell surface using commercially available crosslinking reagents (Pierce, Rockford Ill.). Another approach to coupling an FP-1 molecule to a cell is to use a bispecific antibody, which binds both the FP-1 molecule and a cell-surface molecule on the cell. Fragments, mutants or variants of a FP-1 molecule can also be used. The level of FP-1 expressed on or coupled to the cell surface can be determined by FACS analysis.

The present invention also encompasses methods of isolating follicular papilla cells. Since FP-1 is a secreted extracellular matrix protein at least some of the protein remains associated with the cell surface of the follicular papilla cells. Thus, antibodies to FP-1 can be used to sort the cells that bind an antibody raised to FP-1 using methods well known in the art. Alternatively, a composition comprising an anti-FP-1 antibody attached to a surface can be used to selectively isolate follicular papilla cells from a mixed population of cells from the skin or hair follicle. In this method, a composition comprising an FP-1 antibody can be used to contact a mixed population of cells from the skin or hair follicle sample from which the follicular papilla cells are to be isolated. The follicular papilla cells that bind to the FP-1 antibody can be separated from the unbound cells by any method known in the art including, but not limited to, fractionation. The isolated follicular papilla cells may be useful for (i) inducing epidermis to form new hair follicles de novo; or (ii) improving the performance of existing hair follicles that may contain defective or fewer numbers of follicular papilla cells than normal hair follicles.

Also within the scope of the present invention are oligonucleotide sequences that include antisense oligonucleotides, ribozymes, and siRNAs that function to bind to, degrade and/or inhibit the translation of the mRNA encoded by the polynucleotides of the invention. Antisense RNAs can be designed based on principles established in the art (e.g., Schiavone et al., Curr. Pharm. Des., 10(7):769-784, 2004; Sczakiel, Antisense Nucl. Acid Drug Dev., 7(4):439-444, 1997; Stein, Antisense Nucl. Acid Drug Dev., 8(2):129-132, 1998; and Summerton et al., Antisense Nucl. Acid Drug Dev., 7(3):187-195, 1997). Methods for designing suitable siRNAs for a target gene are well known in the art (e.g., Elbashir et al., Nature, 411:494-498, 2001; Semizarov et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 100:6347-6352, 2003).

The antisense oligonucleotides, ribozymes and siRNAs of the present invention can be commercially obtained or prepared by known methods. These include techniques for chemical synthesis such as, e.g., by solid phase phosphoramidite chemical synthesis. Alternatively, antisense RNA molecules can be generated by in vitro or in vivo transcription of DNA sequences encoding the RNA molecule. Such DNA sequences can be incorporated into a wide variety of vectors that incorporate suitable RNA polymerase promoters such as the T7 or SP6 polymerase promoters.

Various modifications to any of the polynucleotides and oligonucleotides of the present invention can be introduced to increase intracellular stability and half-life. Possible modifications include, but are not limited to, the addition of flanking sequences of ribonucleotides or deoxyribonucleotides to the 5′ and/or 3′ ends of the molecule, or the use of phosphorothioate or 2′-O-methyl rather than phosphodiesterase linkages within the oligonucleotide backbone.

The present invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions or formulations comprising the polynucleotides, polypeptides, antisense molecules, ribozymes, siRNAs or antibodies of the present invention, as an active component. For example, a pharmaceutical composition may comprise a polynucleotide selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:1, SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO:5, SEQ ID NO:7, SEQ ID NO:9, SEQ ID NO:11, and any combination thereof. The pharmaceutical composition may instead comprise a polypeptide selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:6, SEQ ID NO:8, SEQ ID NO:10, SEQ ID NO:12, and any combination thereof. The pharmaceutical composition alternatively may comprise a polypeptide such as one having amino acids 34 to 549 of SEQ ID NO:2, 34 to 531 of SEQ ID NO:4, 34 to 549 of SEQ ID NO:6, 34 to 549 of SEQ ID NO:8, 34 to 427 of SEQ ID NO:10, and/or 34 to 551 of SEQ ID NO:12. The pharmaceutical composition may instead comprise an antibody that binds to FP-1. For example, the antibody may be one that specifically binds to human FP-1, or to both the rat and human FP-1 proteins. The pharmaceutical composition may alternatively comprise an antisense molecule that inhibits or prevents translation of FP-1 mRNA, an siRNA that blocks expression of an FP-1 mRNA, or a ribozyme that cleaves an FP-1 mRNA.

In addition to the FP-1 component of the composition, the therapeutic compositions of the present invention contain suitable pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, and may also comprise excipients and auxiliaries that facilitate processing of the active compounds into preparations, which can be used pharmaceutically for delivery to the site of action. Suitable formulations for parenteral administration include aqueous solutions of the active compounds in water-soluble form, for example, water-soluble salts. In one embodiment, the pharmaceutically acceptable carrier is phosphate buffered saline. In another embodiment, the carrier is water. In addition, suspensions of the active compounds as appropriate oily injection suspensions may be administered. Suitable lipophilic solvents or vehicles include, but are not limited to, fatty oils (e.g., sesame oil), or synthetic fatty acid esters (e.g., ethyl oleate), or triglycerides. Aqueous injection suspensions may contain substances which increase the viscosity of the suspension, for example, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, sorbitol and dextran. Optionally, the suspension may also contain stabilizers. Liposomes can also be used to encapsulate the composition for delivery into the cell (e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,828,837 and 6,224,901).

The pharmaceutical formulations of the invention may be administered to a subject in need thereof using standard administration protocols. “A subject in need thereof,” is used herein, to mean a mammalian subject who is determined by a health care provider, scientist, veterinarian, animal breeder, or other qualified person to be in need of increasing or decreasing hair growth. In the case of human subjects, the health care provider may determine that the subject is in need of controlling hair growth for health or cosmetic reasons. For non-mammalian subjects, a veterinarian or animal breeder may determine that a particular subject is in need of a pharmaceutical composition of the invention to increase hair growth, e.g., in wool or fur production.

The compositions of the present invention can be administered via topical, parenteral, subcutaneous, intravenous, intramuscular, intraperitoneal, transdermal, or buccal routes. For example, a composition is administered locally to a site via microinfusion, or by topical application in a cream, gel, lotion, ointment, salve, balm, aqueous solution or patch. Alternatively, or concurrently, administration may be by the oral route. Suitable formulations for oral administration include hard or soft gelatin capsules, pills, tablets, including coated tablets, elixirs, suspensions, syrups or inhalations and controlled release forms thereof. Indeed, all types of formulations may be used simultaneously to achieve systematic administration of the active ingredient. The dosage administered is dependent upon the age, health, and weight of the recipient, kind of concurrent treatment, if any, frequency of treatment, and the nature of the desired effect. The present invention further provides compositions containing one or more polypeptides of the invention. While individual needs vary, determination of optimal ranges of effective amounts of each composition of the invention is within the skill of the art. In one non-limiting example, dosages of protein for topical formulations comprise from about 0.1 ng to about 100 ng per ml of the formulation, from about 10 ng to about 50 ng, or about 30 ng.

The pharmaceutical formulations of the present invention can be provided alone, or in combination, or in sequential combination with other agents that modulate hair growth. As used herein, two agents are said to be administered in combination when the two agents are administered simultaneously or are administered independently in a way such that the agents will act at the same or almost the same time.

The use of gene therapy to administer the compositions of the invention is contemplated in one aspect of this invention. More specifically, the polynucleotides of the invention can be applied to the skin or scalp through the delivery of nucleic acid molecules. The delivery of nucleic acid molecules can be accomplished by any means known in the art. Gene delivery vehicles (GDVs) are available for delivery of polynucleotides to cells or tissue for expression. For example, a nucleic acid sequence of the invention can be administered either locally or systematically in a GDV. These constructs can utilize viral or non-viral vector approaches in vivo or ex vivo. Expression of such coding sequence can be induced using endogenous mammalian or heterologous promoters. Expression of the coding sequence in vivo can be either constitutive or regulated. The invention includes gene delivery vehicles capable of expressing the contemplated polynucleotides. The gene delivery vehicle may be a viral vector such as, but not limited to, a retroviral, adenoviral, adeno-associated viral (AAV), herpes viral, or alphavirus vectors. The viral vector can also be an astrovirus, coronavirus, orthomyxovirus, papovavirus, paramyxovirus, parvovirus, picornavirus, poxvirus, togavirus viral vector (see generally, Jolly, Cancer Gene Therapy, 1:51-64, 1994; Kimura, Human Gene Therapy, 5:845-852, 1994; Connelly, Human Gene Therapy, 6:185-193, 1995; and Kaplitt, Nature Genetics, 6:148-153, 1994). Delivery of the gene therapy constructs of this invention into cells is not limited to the above-mentioned viral vectors. Other delivery methods and media may be employed such as nucleic acid expression vectors, polycationic condensed DNA linked or unlinked to killed adenovirus alone (Curiel, Hum. Gene Ther., 3:147-154, 1992), ligand linked DNA (Wu, J. Biol. Chem., 264:16985-16987, 1989), eukaryotic cell delivery vehicles cells (U.S. Pat. No. 6,015,686), deposition of photopolymerized hydrogel materials, hand-held gene transfer particle gun (U.S. Pat. No. 5,149,655), ionizing radiation (U.S. Pat. No. 5,206,152 and PCT Patent Publication No. WO 92/11033), nucleic charge neutralization or fusion with cell membranes. Additional approaches are described in Phillip, Mol. Cell. Biol., 14:2411-2418, 1994 and in Woffendin, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 91:1581-585, 1994. Briefly, the nucleotide sequence can be inserted into conventional vectors that contain conventional control sequences for high level expression, and then be incubated with synthetic gene transfer molecules such as polymeric DNA-binding cations like polylysine, protamine, and albumin, linked to cell targeting ligands. Naked DNA may also be employed. Exemplary naked DNA introduction methods are described in PCT Patent Publication No. WO 90/11092 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,580,859. Uptake efficiency may be improved using biodegradable latex beads. DNA coated latex beads are efficiently transported into cells after endocytosis initiation by the beads. The method may be improved further by treatment of the beads to increase hydrophobicity and thereby facilitate disruption of the endosome and release of the DNA into the cytoplasm. Liposomes, that can act as gene delivery vehicles are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,422,120, PCT Patent Publication Nos. WO 95/13796, WO 94/23697, and WO 91/144445, and EP No. 524,968.

The polynucleotide molecules of the invention may be introduced into the skin or scalp using the injectable carrier alone. Liposomal preparations are preferred for methods in which in vitro transfections of cells obtained from the skin or scalp are carried out. The carrier preferably is isotonic, hypotonic, or weakly hypertonic, and has a relatively low ionic strength, such as provided by a sucrose solution. The preparation may further advantageously comprise a source of a cytokine which is incorporated into liposomes in the form of a polypeptide or as a polynucleotide. Alternatively, an even more prolonged effect can be achieved by introducing the DNA sequence into the cell by means of a vector plasmid having the DNA sequence inserted therein. The plasmid may further comprise a replicator.

It is possible to obtain long term administration of a polypeptide to the scalp by introducing a naked DNA sequence operatively coding for the polypeptide interstitially into the skin or scalp, whereby cells of the tissue produce the polypeptide for at least one month or at least 3 months, more preferably at least 6 months. In addition, a method for obtaining transitory expression of a polypeptide in the scalp can be achieved by introducing a naked mRNA sequence operatively coding for the polypeptide interstitially into the skin or scalp, whereby cells of the tissue produce the polypeptide for less than about 20 days, usually less than about 10 days, and often less than 3 or 5 days.

The polypeptides of the invention can also be administered to a patient via depot or transdermal technology. In one embodiment, a pharmaceutical composition comprising FP-1 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier are delivered to a subject using one of Alza's D-TRANS® patches, Alza's E-TRANS® systems, and ALZA's Macroflux® transdermal technology. In an alternative embodiment, a pharmaceutical composition comprising FP-1 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier are delivered to a subject using one of Alza's DUROS® implant or ALZAMER® Depot technologies.

The pharmaceutical compositions or formulations of the present invention can be used in modulating hair growth in several contexts. By “modulate hair growth” is meant to increase or decrease hair growth. Methods of measuring or assaying hair growth are described in the Examples below, and in Philpott et al., “Whole Hair Follicle Culture” in Dermatological Clinics 14(4): 595-607, 1996), and the references cited therein. The compositions comprising polynucleotides encoding FP-1 and FP-1 polypeptides are primarily intended for use in increasing or promoting hair growth, whereas compositions comprising mutant FP-1 polynucleotides or proteins, FP-1 ribozymes, FP-1 antisense molecules, FP-1 siRNAs, and antibodies raised to FP-1, are primarily intended for use in decreasing, or inhibiting hair growth.

Promoting hair growth or attenuating hair loss serves to combat the effects of alopecia in humans and other mammalian species. Conversely, retarding hair growth or promoting hair loss can combat the effects of hirsutism, hypertrichosis, and similar disorders of afflicted individuals. Additionally, the compositions of the invention can be employed to control hair growth in normal skin. Thus, for example, the compositions can be employed in wool or fur production (e.g., applied to alpaca, beaver, calf, chinchilla, coyote, ermine, fisher, fitch, fox, lamb, llama, lynx, marten, mink, muskrat, nutria, opossum, otter, raccoon, Russian squirrel, sable, sheep, and other fur- or wool-producing mammals), to increase hair growth thereby permitting greater net annual wool production or reducing the time needed to produce mature pelts. Alternatively, the compositions of the present invention can be employed to produce custom designs of bare skin or thin, thick, or variegated hair within pelts of treated animals.

The compositions of the present invention are utilized in the methods of the present invention, which include a method of controlling hair growth in a subject comprising administering a pharmaceutical composition of the invention to that subject. The present invention also provides a method for modulating hair growth comprising contacting the skin or hair follicle of a subject with a composition of the invention. Alternatively, the follicular papilla of a subject may be contacted with a pharmaceutical composition of the present invention. Any of these methods can further comprise administering a second agent that controls hair growth. Where it is desired to increase hair growth, the second agent is a substance that either increases hair growth or which assists the composition of the invention to increase hair growth. Where it is desired to decrease or prevent hair growth, the second agent is a substance that decreases hair growth or assists the composition of the invention to decrease hair growth. The compositions of the invention may be administered by any of the methods detailed above. For example, the composition is topically administered to the skin of a subject in an amount sufficient to achieve a dose of at least about 0.01 nmol, at least 0.1 nmol, or at least about 1 nmol per 2 cm by 4.5 cm skin surface area, up to a dose of about 100 nmol, 1,000 nmol, or 10,000 nmol or more per 2 cm×4.5 cm skin surface area.

The present invention also provides a method for transplanting hair in a subject in need thereof including the pretreatment of hair follicles or grafts to be transplanted. In a typical hair transplantation procedure, grafts of skin containing hair are removed from the back or sides of the scalp (donor area) of the individual and are transplanted to other areas, that is, the bald or thinning area (recipient area). To place the grafts onto these areas, a number of incisions are made in the scalp. The incisions are then cleaned and a graft is inserted into each incision. Hair transplantation includes a minigraft for placing only a small number of hairs into the incisions, a micrograft for placing a single hair in the incisions (also, referred to as one-haired minigraft), and a follicular unit hair transplantation.

FP-1 polynucleotides and proteins of the present invention can be used in the pretreatment of hair follicles or grafts before transplantation. Such treatment is contemplated to promote or accelerate hair implantation.

The present invention also relates to diagnostic assays such as quantitative and diagnostic assays for detecting levels of FP-1 protein in cells and tissues. FP-1 levels can be detected at the RNA or protein level. A diagnostic assay in accordance with the invention for detecting under-expression of FP-1 proteins compared to normal control tissue samples, are used to detect whether the subject is likely to develop a hair loss disorder. In one embodiment, the diagnostic assay is used for the prognosis of alopecia. Assay techniques that are used to determine levels of FP-1 proteins of the present invention, in a sample derived from a host, for example blood or scalp tissue, are well known to those of skill in the art. Such assay methods include, but are not limited to, immunoassays, radio-immunoassays, competitive-binding assays, Western Blot analysis, ELISA assays, and immunofluorescence assays. Accordingly, the present invention provides a method for diagnosing alopecia in a subject comprising collecting a blood or tissue sample from said subject and detecting FP-1 proteins in said sample.

Such diagnostic assays can also be used to diagnose cancers. Overexpression of FP-1 correlates with heightened risk for developing or having developed a cancer. In one embodiment, the invention provides a method to diagnose skin cancers (e.g., basal cell carcinoma, pilomatricoma). In other embodiments, the method permits diagnosis of liver cancers, cancers of the nervous system, stomach cancers, testicular cancer and ovarian cancer among others.

The present invention further provides methods of identifying agents that control hair growth. The method comprises contacting skin with a test agent ex vivo. A test agent may be any substance that is contemplated to potentially regulate hair growth. The method further comprises detecting or measuring the expression of FP-1 in the follicular papilla. If the test agent is found to increase expression of FP-1 in the follicular papilla it is determined to be an agent that stimulates hair growth. If, however, the test agent decreases the expression of FP-1 in the follicular papilla it is determined to be an inhibitor of hair growth.

Also contemplated are methods to identify agents that interact with FP-1 and modulate its ability to control hair growth. Methods of identifying other proteins that interact with FP-1 include, but are not limited to, immuno-precipitation and two-hybrid assays (Sambrook et al., cited supra; Fields et al., Nature, 340(6230):245-246, 1989; and Fields et al., Trends Genet., 10(8):286-92, 1994).

The present invention also encompasses the production of transgenic non-human animals that express FP-1 protein or FP-1 fusion protein encoding construct of the instant invention. Animals, which contain exogenous DNA sequences in their genome, are referred to as transgenic animals. The successful production of transgenic, non-human animals has been described in a number of patents and publications, such as, for example U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,291,740; 6,281,408; and 6,271,436.

The most widely used method for the production of transgenic animals is the microinjection of DNA into the pronuclei of fertilized embryos (Wall et al., J. Cell. Biochem., 49:113, 1992). Other methods for the production of transgenic animals include the infection of embryos with retroviruses or with retroviral vectors. Infection of both pre- and post-implantation mouse embryos with either wild-type or recombinant retroviruses has been reported (Jaenisch, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 73:1260, 1976; Jaenisch et al., Cell, 24:519, 1981; Stuhlmann et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 81:7151, 1984; Jahner et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 82:6927, 1985; Van der Putten et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 82:6148-6152, 1985; Stewart et al., EMBO J., 6:383-388, 1987).

An alternative means for infecting embryos with retroviruses is the injection of virus or virus-producing cells into the blastocoele of mouse embryos (Jahner, D. et al., Nature 298:623, 1982). The introduction of transgenes into the germline of mice has been reported using intrauterine retroviral infection of the midgestation mouse embryo (Jahner et al., supra, 1982). Infection of bovine and ovine embryos with retroviruses or retroviral vectors to create transgenic animals has been reported. These protocols involve the micro-injection of retroviral particles or growth arrested (i.e., mitomycin C-treated) cells which shed retroviral particles into the perivitelline space of fertilized eggs or early embryos (PCT International Application WO 90/08832; and Haskell and Bowen, Mol. Reprod. Dev., 40:386, 1995). PCT International Application WO 90/08832 describes the injection of wild-type feline leukemia virus B into the perivitelline space of sheep embryos at the 2 to 8 cell stage. Fetuses derived from injected embryos were shown to contain multiple sites of integration.

The ability to alter the genetic make-up of animals, such as domesticated mammals including cows, pigs, goats, horses, cattle, and sheep, allows a number of commercial applications. In the context of the present invention, FP-1 transgenic animals are useful as models to study hair growth, as well as to test drugs, compounds, etc. for use in regulating hair growth.

Without further description, a person of ordinary skill in the art can, using the preceding description and the following illustrative examples, make and utilize the present invention and practice the disclosed methods. The following working examples therefore are not to be construed as limiting in any way the remainder of the disclosure.

EXAMPLES Example 1 Materials and Methods

I. Cell Culture

(a) Follicular Papilla

Vibrissa follicles were isolated individually from the lip region of 4-6 months old male Wistar rats (Charles River). To expose follicular papilla, the lower part of the follicle was opened by a 20 gauge needle. About 35-40 follicular papillae were microdissected from each rat. The isolated follicular papillae were placed in 1 ml Chang's medium (Irvine Scientific) with 100 units/ml penicillin and 100 μg/ml streptomycin in a 35 mm petri plate, and left undisturbed in a 37° C., 5% CO₂ incubator for 4 days. Under these conditions most of the papillae formed outgrowths (Jahoda and Oliver, Br. J. Dermatol., 105(6):623-627, 1981; Jahoda and Oliver, J. Embryol. Exp. Morphol., 79:211-24, 1984; Warren et al., J. Invest. Dermat., 98:693-699, 1992). The culture medium was changed every 3 days. Ten to twelve days later, the cells were treated with 0.125% trypsin and 0.01% EDTA in phosphate-buffer saline, and the dissociated single cells were then plated in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium (DMEM) containing 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS), 100 units/ml penicillin and 100 μg/ml streptomycin. Sub-confluent cells were fed every 3 days by removing old medium and adding fresh medium warmed to 37° C.

(b) Rat Dermal Fibroblasts

Rat dermal fibroblasts were cultured by explant outgrowth from small pieces (<1 mm³) of interfollicular dermis from the same lip skin tissue, from which the vibrissa follicles had been removed. The primary culture and subculture conditions were the same as described above. Rat stomach, esophagus and thoracoabdominal diaphragm tissues were minced thoroughly to <1 mm³ and placed in 1 ml DMEM containing 10% FBS, 100 units/ml penicillin and 100 μg/ml streptomycin in a 30 mm petri plate. After being undisturbed for a few days, fibroblasts grew out from these tissues. The subculture conditions were the same as described above. All experiments were carried out using the fourth passage of the cultured cells. One passage constituted a 1:3 dilution of subculture.

II. Subtractive cDNA Library

Total RNA of cultured cells was isolated by a system using guanidine thiocyanate and CSB (citrate/sarcosine/β-mercaptoethanol) as denaturing buffer followed by phenol extraction (The RNAgents® Total RNA Isolation System, Promega). Poly A⁺ RNA was separated from the total RNA using a biotinylated oligo (dT) selection with the MagneSphere® mRNA isolation system (Promega).

Cultured rat vibrissa follicular papilla-specific subtractive cDNA library was constructed using the PCR-Select™ cDNA subtraction Kit (Clontech) according to the manufacturer's instructions (Diatchenko et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 93(12):6025-6030, 1996). For the first strand cDNA synthesis, 2 μg of cultured rat vibrissa follicular papilla cell poly A⁺ RNA (the “tester”) and 2 μg of a mixture (1:1:1) of cultured rat stomach, esophagus and diaphragm fibroblasts poly A⁺ RNA were reverse-transcribed using MMLV reverse transcriptase (Gibco). The second stranded cDNA was synthesized with a 20× enzyme cocktail containing DNA polymerase I (6 U/μl), RNase H (0.25 U/μl), E. coli DNase ligase (1.2 U/μl), and T4 DNA polymerase (1.5 U/μl). The double strand cDNA obtained was phenol extracted and ethanol precipitated. After digesting with Rsa I, the tester (follicular papilla) cDNA was divided into two subpopulations, which were ligated with two different adaptors. The two subpopulations (about 15 ng each) were then hybridized with an excess amount of the driver (3 types of fibroblasts) cDNA (about 470 ng), after which they were combined. Without denaturing the DNA hybrids, the mixture of the two primary hybridization samples was hybridized again with freshly denatured driver cDNA (about 310 ng). To enrich and amplify the differentially expressed sequences, two rounds of selective PCR were performed in both subtracted and unsubtracted cDNA (tester cDNAs ligated with two different adaptors) using primers that anneal to the adaptors sequences. The PCR products were cloned into the pCRII TA cloning vector, which was then transformed into TOP10F′ cells (Invitrogen).

In order to perform differential screening later, a reverse subtraction (a rat fibroblast-specific subtractive cDNA library) was also performed by the same PCR-select™ cDNA subtraction technique as described above. In the reverse subtraction, a mixture of the 3 types of fibroblast (cultured rat stomach, esophagus and diaphragm fibroblasts) served as the “tester” and follicular papilla as the “driver.”

III. Differential Screening

a. cDNA Array

Bacterial colonies were randomly picked from the follicular papilla-specific subtracted library and cultured overnight at 37° C. with shaking. To amplify the cDNA inserts, PCR was performed using adaptor-specific primers (Clontech). After denaturing with 0.6 N NaOH, the PCR products were transferred onto a Hybond™-XL nylon membrane (Amersham Pharmacia Biotech). Two identical blots were prepared for hybridizing with follicular papilla-specific subtracted library (FP probe) and fibroblast-specific subtracted library (F probe). The blots were neutralized with 0.5 M Tris-HCl (pH 7.5) for 2-4 min. and washed with H₂O. DNA was cross-linked to the membrane by UV light.

b. Colony Array

The same overnight cultures of the randomly picked bacterial clones were used to perform colony array. Each bacterial culture was transferred onto a Hybond™-XL nylon membrane (Amersham Pharmacia Biotech) placed on the LB/agar plate containing kanamycin. Two identical blots were prepared for hybridizing with the follicular papilla-specific subtracted library (FP probe) and fibroblast-specific subtracted library (F probe). After culturing overnight at 37° C., the blots were denatured with 0.5 M NaOH, 1.5 M NaCl for 4 min, neutralized with 0.5 M Tris-HCl (pH 7.5), 1.5 M NaCl for 4 min, and air dried for 30 min. The DNA was fixed to the membrane by baking at 80° C. for 2 hrs.

c. Preparation of the Subtracted cDNA Probes

The amplified PCR products of the subtracted cDNAs were purified with the NucleoTrap® PCR purification kit (Clontech), and underwent restriction enzyme digestion to remove the adaptor sequences. Three restriction enzymes were used one after another in the following order: Rsa I at 37° C. for 1 hr, Sma I at room temperature for 1 hr, and Eag I at 37° C. for 1 hr. After separation from the adaptor using the NucleoTrap® PCR purification kit (Clontech), the cDNAs were then labeled with [α-³²P] dCTP by the Multiprime™ DNA labeling system (Amersham Pharmacia Biotech). The specific activity of the labeled probe was determined by using a scintillation counter. The total counts per probe was greater than 10⁷ cpm.

d. Hybridization with the Subtracted cDNA Probes

The blots of the cDNA array and colony array were hybridized at 60° C. over night with the labeled subtracted cDNA probes in Church solution (0.25 M Na₂HPO₄ (pH 7.2), 1 mM EDTA, 7% SDS, and 1% BSA). Equal amounts (about 3.5×10⁷ cpm) of the labeled follicular papilla-specific cDNA probe (FP probe) and fibroblast-specific cDNA probe (F probe) were used in an equal amount (7.5 ml) of Church hybridization solution for every two identical colony array or cDNA array blots. Two cDNA fragments were used as hybridization negative controls: (i) a mouse testis-specific gene (GenBank® Accession No. X52128), and (ii) a human semenogelin II (GeneBank® Accession No. ANM81652), which is specific to seminal vesicles.

IV. Virtual Northern

1 μg of total RNA from cultured follicular papilla cells, fibroblasts (diaphragm, esophagus, and stomach fibroblasts in a 1:1:1 mixture), and dermal fibroblasts were separately reverse transcribed to first-strand cDNAs. Double strand cDNA (ds cDNA) was synthesized and then amplified by PCR according to the SMART™ cDNA synthesis technique (Clontech). The optimal number of PCR cycles was titrated to ensure that the ds cDNA synthesis remained in the exponential phase of amplification. The PCR-amplified ds cDNA was electrophoresed on a 1% agarose gel, and then transferred onto a Hybond™-XL nylon membrane (Amersham Pharmacia Biotech). The filter was subjected to hybridization using the procedure used for Northern blot hybridization.

V. 5′ RACE (Rapid Amplification of cDNA Ends) of FP-1

5′ race of FP-1 was performed according to the manufacturer's instructions (Clontech). 1 μg of poly A⁺ RNA from the cultured rat vibrissa follicular papilla cells was reverse transcribed into first-strand cDNA. Using the first-strand cDNA as a template, the primary PCR was performed with the Universal Primer (Clontech) and a FP-1 specific primer. The thermal cycling program was as follows: 5 cycles of 94° C., 5 sec; 72° C., 3 min.; 5 cycles of 94° C., 5 sec; 70° C., 10 sec; 72° C., 3 min.; 23 cycles of 94° C., 5 sec; 68° C., 10 sec; 72° C., 3 min. The primary PCR product was diluted to 1:50 and used as a template in the secondary PCR. The second PCR was primed with the Universal Nested Primer (Clontech) and a FP-1 specific nested primer. The thermal cycling program was as follows: 20 cycles of 94° C., 5 sec; 68° C., 10 sec; 72° C., 3 min. The nucleotide sequences of the FP-1 primer and the FP-1 nested primer were: 5′ CCCAGTTCACCAGCATCTCCCTTCTCTC 3′ (SEQ ID NO: 13) and 5′ GTCTATCATCACCCGGATCGGCACCAT 3′ (SEQ ID NO:14), respectively. The PCR product from the second PCR reaction was ligated into a TA cloning vector (Invitrogen). Individual clones were sequenced.

VI. Western Blot and Deglycosylation

Cultured cells were dissolved in lysis buffer (1% NP40, 1% deoxycholic acid, 0.1% SDS, 150 mM NaCl, 50 mM Tris-HCl (pH 7.4), 2 mM EDTA and freshly added protease inhibitor). After centrifugation at 14,000 rpm for 20 min at 4° C., the soluble proteins were quantified using a BCA kit (Pierce). 50 μg of the total proteins were resolved on a 12% polyacrylamide gel according to standard procedures (Laemmli, 1970). The separated proteins were transferred electrophoretically to an MSI-nitrocellulose membrane (Towbin et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 76:4350-4354, 1979; Burnette, Anal. Biochem., 112:195-203, 1981). The membrane was incubated with primary antibodies and HRP-conjugated secondary antibody. Optimal concentration of the primary antibodies was determined by titration: anti-DPI rabbit serum G320 (1:10,000), anti-β-tubulin mouse monoclonal antibody (Sigma) (1:2,000). The reaction was visualized by an enhanced chemiluminescence detection kit (Pierce) according to the manufacturer's instruction.

VII. Deglycosylation Reaction

For the deglycosylation reaction, about 250 μg total proteins was incubated with the Endo-H reaction buffer (50 mM NaAc (pH 5.5), 0.1% SDS) at room temperature for 20 min, and then digested with 10 mU Endo-H (Roche) in the same reaction buffer in the presence of freshly added 0.05% NaN₃ and 10 mM EDTA at 37° C. over night (Kobata, Anal. Biochem., 100(1):1-14, 1979; Trimble and Maley, Anal. Biochem., 141(2):515-22, 1984). Total cell lysate that went through the above procedure, but without the addition of Endo-H was used as the intact glycoprotein control. Samples were stored at −20° C. before being analyzed by Western blotting.

VIII. Endo H Digestion

Half of 100 mm plate cell lysate (about 250 μg total proteins) was incubated with Endo H reaction buffer (20 mM Na₃PO₄ (pH 7.5), 0.02% NaN₃, 0.1% SDS, 50 mM β-mercaptoethanol) at room temperature for 20 min, and then digested by 30 mU Endo H (Roche) in the same reaction buffer with freshly added 0.75% Nonidet P-40 at 37° C. over night (Tanner et al., J. Virol., 62(12):4452-64, 1988). Total cell lysate that went through the above procedure, but without Endo H was used as the intact glycoprotein control. Samples were stored at −20° C. before being analyzed by Western blot.

IX. FP-1 Antibodies

Five different regions of rat FP-1 (SEQ ID NO:2), which were predicted to be hydrophilic and to be more antigenic than other regions in FP-1 according to several computer algorithms, including one that predicts hydropathy, were selected to produce antibodies to rat FP-1. These five regions of FP-1 included amino acids 87-102, 247-262, 276-297, 321-333, and 392-405 of SEQ ID NO:2.

The synthesized peptides were purified by reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and their purity was examined by mass spectrometry. A cysteine residue was placed at either the N- or C-terminus of each peptide to facilitate conjugation to the carrier protein, Keyhole Limpet Hemosyanin (KLH). For each conjugated peptide, two rabbits were immunized by subcutaneous injection of 100 μg of peptide in Freund's complete adjuvant. This primary immunization was followed by booster injections at 2-week intervals. The titer of the antisera was checked by ELISA after 3 booster injections (Genemed Synthesis).

Table I summarizes the information relating to the five polyclonal rabbit anti-rat FP-1 antibodies.

TABLE 1 Anti- Mismatch/ Mismatch/ body Epitope IB dilution IF dilution Total aa Mouse Total aa human G311 1 1:1,000  n.d. 0/16 3/16 G312 2 1:2,000  1:200   8/22 1/16 G320 3 1:10,000 1:1,000 0/22 5/22 G324 5 1:500   n.d. 1/14 3/14 G325 4 n.d. n.d. 2/13 1/13 Key: IB = immunoblot IF = immunofluorescence n.d. = not determined Mismatch/Total aa = the number of amino acids that are different between the rat and mouse FP-1, or rat and human FP-1, in the peptide sequences recognized by the rat FP-1 antibodies.

X. Immunofluorescence Staining

Culture cells grown on glass cover slips (12 mm, Fisher) were fixed with cold 1:1 methanol/acetone for 20 min. and then air-dried. Fresh tissues were embedded in OCT medium (Sakura Finetek) in liquid nitrogen and sectioned into 7-8 μm according to standard procedures. The sections were fixed with cold 1:1 methanol/acetone for 10 min and air-dried.

Cover slips with cultured cells or slides with frozen sections were incubated with primary antibodies. Optimal concentration of the primary antibodies was determined by titration: anti-FP1 rabbit serum G320 (1:1,000), anti-β-COP mouse monoclonal antibody (Sigma) (1:80). After washing, the cover slips or slides with PBS for 5 min. three times, the cover slip or slide was incubated with fluorescein FITC or rhodamine conjugated secondary antibody (Molecular Probes, Eugene, Oreg.), mounted with aqueous mounting medium with anti-fading agents (Biomeda, Foster City, Calif.), and examined under a fluorescence microscope (Zeiss, Thornwood, N.Y.).

XI. Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization (FISH)

Lymphocytes were isolated from mouse spleen and cultured at 37° C. in RPMI 1640 medium supplemented with 15% fetal calf serum, 3 μg/ml concanavalin A, 10 μg/ml lipopolysaccharide and 5×10⁻⁵ M mercaptoethanol. After 44 hr, the cultured lymphocytes were treated with 0.18 mg/ml BrdU for an additional 14 hr. The synchronized cells were washed and recultured at 37° C. for 4 hr in α-MEM with thymidine (2.5 μg/ml). Cells were harvested and chromosome slides were made by standard procedures including hypotonic treatment, fixation and air-drying (See DNA Biotech). For probe preparation, a 2.1 kb rat FP-1 cDNA fragment was amplified by PCR using the plasmid of the longest FP-1 positive clone (obtained from screening the follicular papilla cDNA library) as template and primers flanking the cDNA insert on the vector plasmid. The DNA probe was biotinylated with dATP at 15° C. for 1 hr (Gibco BRL BioNick labeling kit, Gaithersburg, Md.) (Heng et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 89(20):9509-13, 1992). The procedure for FISH was performed according to published methods (Heng et al., ibid; Heng and Tsui, Chromosoma, 102(5):325-32, 1993).

Example 2 Identification of Follicular Papilla-Specific Genes by Subtraction cDNA Library

To identify genes that are expressed preferentially in follicular papilla cells, a follicular papilla-specific subtraction cDNA library was constructed. Common messages were eliminated by hybridizing the cDNAs of cultured rat vibrissa follicular papilla cells (“tester”) with those of fibroblasts that had been grown under identical culture conditions (“driver”). To examine the subtraction efficiency, a series of Southern blots were performed using the following probes: (1) follicular papilla-specific cDNAs, (2) fibroblast-specific cDNAs, (3) GAPDH, a housekeeping gene, and (4) FP-1, a novel gene identified from the subtraction library. The results showed a greater than 10 fold enrichment of FP-1 in the subtracted follicular papilla library (FIG. 11D), and a greater than 20 fold reduction of GAPDH in both the subtracted follicular papilla-specific library (FIG. 11C). These data indicated that a greater than 200 fold enrichment of the differentially expressed follicular papilla messages had been achieved. Indeed, when the follicular papilla-specific cDNAs were used as the probe (FP− probe), the signals of subtracted follicular papilla cDNAs (FIG. 11A, lane 1) were much stronger than those of subtracted fibroblast cDNAs (FIG. 11A, lane 3). On the contrary, when the fibroblast-specific cDNAs were used as a probe (F− probe), the signals of subtracted fibroblast cDNAs (FIG. 11B, lane 3) were much stronger than those of subtracted follicular papilla cDNAs (FIG. 11B, lane 1). These data indicated that the follicular papilla-specific cDNAs were enriched using the subtraction technique.

To identify the follicular papilla-specific clones in the subtracted library, a differential screening method was used. Randomly picked clones from the follicular papilla-specific subtracted library were hybridized with the follicular papilla-specific cDNAs (FP− probe) and fibroblast-specific cDNAs (F− probe) (FIG. 12). Clones representing differentially expressed poly A⁺ species in follicular papilla cells were expected to give strong signals with the FP− probe but weak or no signals with the F− probe (FIG. 12). Clones were considered as “follicular papilla-specific” only when the difference in signal intensity (FP/F) was greater than or equal to 5 fold. By screening 465 randomly picked clones from the follicular papilla-specific subtracted library, about 60 follicular papilla-specific clones representing 9 ESTs and 25 known sequences were obtained.

To minimize the chance of eliminating follicular papilla-specific messages, a mixture of diaphragm, esophagus and stomach fibroblast cDNAs were used as the “driver” to construct the follicular papilla-specific subtraction library. To verify that the clones identified from the subtraction library were really differentially expressed in follicular papilla cells compared to dermal fibroblasts, virtual Northern blots were carried out by hybridizing PCR-amplified cDNAs from cultured cells with some of the identified clones, including EST1 (later named as FP-1), EST2, EST6, EST7, lysyl oxidase-like 2 (LOXL2), serine protease, and tenascin c. The results showed that all the cDNA clones examined by virtual Northern blots were indeed expressed at higher levels in follicular papilla cells than in the (non-dermal) fibroblast mixture (FIG. 13), again indicating the success of the subtraction. When cultured follicular papilla cells were tested against dermal fibroblasts, six out of the seven genes were found to be expressed at higher levels in follicular papilla cells than in dermal fibroblasts; only one, tenascin c, showed about equal intensity in these two cell types (FIG. 13). These data proved the follicular papilla-specificity of the genes identified from the subtraction library. From a gene expression profile point of view, the difference between follicular papilla and various types of fibroblasts was greater than the difference among the different fibroblasts.

Example 3 FP-1, a Novel Follicular Papilla Marker

Among the 25 known genes and 9 EST sequences that had been identified from the follicular papilla-specific subtraction library, EST1 (Genbank®Accession Number A1574756) was most abundant, represented by 8 independent clones. The expression level of this EST in cultured rat vibrissa follicular papilla cells was greater than 30 fold higher than that in cultured rat dermal fibroblasts (FIGS. 13 and 14). To further characterize this cDNA, its tissue distribution was examined in 18 rat tissues including skin, diaphragm, esophagus, stomach, brain, lung, heart, liver, spleen, kidney, bladder, intestine, colon, ovary, uterus, prostate testis, and skeletal muscle. This EST was only detected at relatively low levels in stomach and ovary, while the other 16 tissues were negative (FIG. 14A). Since these data indicated that this clone was preferentially expressed in follicular papilla, it was named “FP-1.”

To obtain the full-length cDNA sequence of FP-1, a cDNA phage library of cultured rat vibrissa follicular papilla cells was screened, and a 5′ RACE (rapid amplification of cDNA ends) was also performed. The full-length FP-1 cDNA was 2332 bp, which had a 1647 bp coding region encoding 549 amino acids (FIG. 15). FP-1's N- and C-terminus amino acid sequences have domains homologous to collagen triple helix repeat and an olfactomedin-like domain, respectively (FIG. 15). Computer analysis of the FP-1 protein sequence revealed that the N-terminal 31 amino acid residues of FP-1 is a signal peptide (FIG. 15), and that FP-1 has 6 potential glycosylation sites (FIG. 15).

Example 4 Immunoblotting and Immunofluorescence Studies

To examine the protein expression pattern of FP-1, five polyclonal antibodies against FP-1 were generated (the five epitopes are indicated in FIG. 15). Immunoblot analysis showed that three of the FP-1 antisera (anti-epitopes 1, 2, and 3) recognized a single protein band of about 72 kDa in cultured rat follicular papilla cell lysate, with no detectable signals in cultured fibroblast cell lysate (FIG. 16A). Immunofluorescent staining of cultured follicular papilla cells at passage 4 using the FP-1 antisera showed very strong cytoplasmic signals in follicular papilla cells, but negative signals in fibroblasts (FIG. 16C). These data verified that FP-1 was preferentially expressed in cultured follicular papilla cells compared to fibroblasts. Staining of COP I, a Golgi complex marker, overlapped with FP-1 staining, even though FP-1 staining had a broader area (FIG. 16C).

Consistent with the presence of several potential N-glycosylation sites, FP-1 is a glycoprotein. After digestion with endoglycosidase-H, the molecular weight of FP-1 decreased to 60 kDa (FIG. 6B).

Example 5 Temporal Expression of FP-1

To analyze at what time point FP-1 expression was turned on in follicular papilla cells under cultured conditions, immunofluorescent staining was performed using primary cultures 4, 7, and 10 days after microdissection. Starting from day 4, all the cells of the whole colony derived from a follicular papilla were FP-1 positive, whereas cultured fibroblasts were always FP-1 negative (data not shown). Staining was not performed at earlier time points.

Example 6 Survey of Existing FP-1 Mouse Mutants

Since FP-1 is abundantly expressed in follicular papilla cells, which are essential for hair growth, tests were done to determine whether the gene localized to any of the loci corresponding to the 196 mouse mutants that had a hair-related phenotype in the Jackson Laboratory database (Bar Harbor, Me.).

To determine whether FP-1 mapped to any of these existing mouse hair mutants, a cross-species fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) on mouse chromosomes using rat FP-1 cDNA as a probe was performed. The FISH analysis indicated that FP-1 was on mouse chromosome 9 B-C region (FIG. 17). Significantly, there are 3 hair-related mutants, including rough fur (ruf), rough coat (rc), and fur deficient (fd) in this region.

To examine whether there were any gross changes in the FP-1 gene in these 3 mouse mutants, a genomic Southern blot was performed. After digestion with 7 different restriction enzymes, the genomic DNA of homozygous and heterozygous mutants and their background strains (considered as wild type to the mutations) were compared. A size change greater than 1 kb due to insertion or deletion, which occurs frequently in the mouse genome, could in theory be detectable by this approach. However, no significant difference in the FP-1 sequence was found in all the 3 mutants suggesting that there was no deletion or insertion of a big DNA fragment (greater than 1 kb) within the genomic region close to FP-1 in these mutants (data not shown). Of course, it must be remembered that this finding does not rule out the possibility that there are other mutations in any of these genes, which cannot be detected by this approach.

Example 7 Immunolocalization of FP-1

To investigate FP-1 localization in hair follicles in vivo, indirect immunofluorescence staining of the depilated mouse back skin using FP-1 antiserum was performed. Back skin of C57BL/6 mice was collected on different days after depilation, snap-frozen, and cryo-sectioned. The sections were fixed with 1:1 methanol/acetone (4° C.), air-dried, and stained by indirect immunofluorescence using the tyramide signal amplification (TSA) system (Perkin Elmer). Polyclonal G320 antibody was used for staining at a dilution of 1:5,000 to 1:20,000. As a control, a preimmune serum at a comparable concentration, and an FP-1 antibody that was blocked by a peptide that bound the FP-1 antibody (the original antigen used to generate the G320 antibody) was used. Specifically, the peptide blocking experiments were performed, using the G320 antibody pre-incubated at 25° C. with the FP-1 peptide having the sequence PNDDTLVGRADEKVNERHSPQT (aa 276-297 of rat FP-1; SEQ ID NO:27). The antibody:peptide ratio for the blocking experiment was 1:4, and the antibody was incubated with the peptide for 45 minutes before the FP-1 antibody was used to stain the sections in the control experiments.

FP-1 was strongly expressed in the follicular papillae during the anagen phase (FIG. 18), but not in the catagen and telogen phases of the hair cycle (data not shown). This hair-cycle dependent expression pattern strongly suggested that FP-1 is involved in the control of hair growth. No staining was noted in the epidermis and other skin cells.

To analyze FP-1 expression in the follicular papilla cells under the cultured conditions, we performed immunofluorescent staining using primary cultures 4, 7 and 10 days after plating. Starting from day 4, all the cells of the whole colony derived from a follicular papilla were FP-1 positive, whereas FP-1 was barely detectable in cultured fibroblasts (FIG. 16B).

Example 8 Inhibition of FP-1 Function in Mouse Skin by Antibodies

Purified polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies that specifically bind to FP-1 are used to block FP-1 activity in the hair follicle in vivo. As a control, peptide-blocked FP-1 antibody prepared as described in Example 7, is used. For example, antibodies are purified using commercial kits, and used at several concentrations (i.e., 1 μg/ml to 1 mg/ml) and based on titration studies the concentration of antibody to be used in the experiments outlined below is determined.

Mice that are around day 35 of life are in a prolonged telogen phase. In the first experiment, mice around day 38 of life are anesthetized, and each of the mice are implanted intraperitoneally with two Alzet osmotic minipumps (Model 2001; Alza Corp., Palo Alto, Calif.). The minipumps are each loaded with 200 μl of FP-1 antibody, or peptide-blocked FP-1 in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) at the concentration determined by the titration studies. The FP-1 antibody, or preimmune antibody, or peptide-blocked FP-1 antibody, is provided systemically for approximately 14 days. The hair of the mice are plucked on day 42 (Wilson et al., Differentiation, 55:127-136, 1994). Mice are then sacrificed every 2 days for 17 days and the length of the hair from the dermal papilla to the skin surface is measured. The FP-1 antibody treated and control mice are compared to check whether there are differences in hair growth. Hair growth can be assessed based on the elongation rate of the hair fibers that is measured by clipping the fibers that are exposed on the skin surface. In addition, the hair cycle is analyzed by using histological methods to determine whether the follicle is in anagen, catagen, or telogen (Wilson et al., Differentiation, 55:127-136, 1994).

In the second experiment, 200 μl of FP-1 antibody, or the preimmune antibody, or the peptide-blocked FP-1 antibody, at the concentration identified in the titration experiments are injected subcutaneously every 2 days for 15 days (Cotsarelis et al., Cell 61:1329-1337, 1990; Taylor et al., Cell 102:451-461, 2000). At the end of the subcutaneous injections, mice are sacrificed every 3 days for 15 days and the length of the hair fibers that are exposed on the skin surface is measured as mentioned above, and the length of the follicule from the dermal papilla to the skin surface is measured by histological examination. The FP-1 antibody-treated and control mice are compared to check whether there are differences in hair growth.

In both experiments described above, the FP-1 antibodies bind and neutralize FP-1 thus blocking its in vivo activity. In contrast, the preimmune antibodies and peptide-blocked FP-1 antibody do not impair the in vivo activity of FP-1.

Blocking FP-1 activity using neutralizing FP-1 antibodies results in inhibition of hair growth. However, the peptide-blocked FP-1 antibody (or pre-immune sera or control antibodies that are raised against intracellular antigens such as keratins, if used in the above experiments) show minimal, if any, effects on hair growth. Immunolocalization studies show that mouse skin of FP-1 antibody-treated mice has antibody staining in the extracellular matrix zone of the follicular papilla.

Example 9 Inhibition of FP-1 in Cultured Rat Vibrissa Follicular Papilla Cells

FP-1 expression is inhibited in cultured rat vibrissa follicular papilla cells using inhibitory agents such as antibodies to FP-1, antisense molecules, ribozymes and/or siRNA molecules directed to rat FP-1.

Prediction of suitable siRNA targets and siRNAs are possible using many different sources, (see, for example “siRNA Selection Program,” Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, 2003; Ambion's siRNA Target Finder, etc.). Examples of siRNA target sequences and sense and antisense strand siRNAs for use in this experiment include:

(i) Target Sequence: 5′ AATTAAGTCGTGCGCCAGCCC 3′, (SEQ ID NO: 15) (corresponding to 257-279 of SEQ ID NO: 1); Sense Strand siRNA: 5′ UUAAGUCGUGCGCCAGCCCtt 3′; (SEQ ID NO: 16) Antisense strand siRNA: 5′ GGGCUGGCGCACGACUUAAtt 3′; (SEQ ID NO: 17) and (ii) Target Sequence: 5′ AATGATGATACCTTGGTGGGG 3′, (SEQ ID NO: 18) (corresponding to 874-896 of SEQ ID NO: 1); Sense Strand siRNA: 5′ UGAUGAUACCUUGGUGGGGtt 3′; (SEQ ID NO: 19) Antisense strand siRNA: 5′ CCCCACCAAGGUAUCAUCAtt 3′; (SEQ ID NO: 20) and (iii) Target Sequence: 5′ AATGAGCGCCATTCTCCACAA 3′, (SEQ ID NO: 21) (corresponding to 913-935 of SEQ ID NO: 1); Sense Strand siRNA: 5′ UGAGCGCCAUUCUCCACAAtt 3′; (SEQ ID NO: 22) Antisense strand siRNA: 5′ UUGUGGAGAAUGGCGCUCAtt 3′; (SEQ ID NO: 23) and (iv) Target Sequence: 5′ AACCCATGATCACGTCCATTG 3′, (SEQ ID NO: 24) (corresponding to 938-960 of SEQ ID NO: 1); Sense Strand siRNA: 5′ CCCAUGAUCACGUCCAUUGtt 3′; (SEQ ID NO: 25) Antisense strand siRNA: 5′ CAAUGGACGUGAUCAUGGGtt 3′. (SEQ ID NO: 26)

Methods of using siRNA to knock down expression of a target gene are well known in the art (Kittler et al., Semin. Cancer Biol., 13(4):259-65, 2003; Scherr et al., Curr. Med. Chem., 10(3):245-56, 2003; and Hudson et al., Trends Cell Biol., 12(6):281-7, 2002).

After treatment of cells with a FP-1 inhibitory agent that inhibits or prevents expression of FP-1, the expression of FP-1 mRNA is tested by Northern blot analysis using well-established methods (Sambrook et al., cited supra). FP-1 protein levels are tested using Western blot analysis using antibodies to FP-1.

The effect of inhibiting FP-1 on the morphological and proliferative properties of the follicular cells is also tested. Neutralizing antibodies to FP-1, FP-1 antisense molecules, FP-1 ribozymes and FP-1 siRNA molecules are expected to cause the cultured rat vibrissa cells to aggregate and suppress their growth. Immunolocalization of FP-1 antibody is expected to show it binding to both the cell surface and the extracellular matrix that is deposited on the plastic dish surface. It is also expected that preimmune sera from healthy rabbits, control antisense, ribozyme and siRNA molecules show no effects on the morphology and growth properties of the cultured vibrissa cells.

Example 10 Isolation of Follicular Papilla Cells from Skin

Rat vibrissa and mouse pelage follicular papilla are surgically isolated as described in Example 1 and dissociated into single cells by trypsinization. The rat follicular papillae are minced and treated with 0.2% trypsin in PBS at 37° C. with stirring for 30-45 minutes. The loosened tissues will be pipetted several times to suspend the cells. The single cells that are released by this procedure will be counted and mixed with an equal volume of DMEM medium containing 10% calf serum that inhibits trypsin. These cells are then treated with rabbit antibodies to FP-1 (see, Example 1), followed by fluorescein-conjugated goat anti-rabbit-IgG antibody (Jackson Laboratories). The cell-surface fluorescein-labeled, FP-1 positive cells are then isolated by fluorescein-activated cell sorting.

Alternatively, magnetic beads (4.5 μm; DYNABEADS® from DYNAL® or MACSiBead™ from Miltenyi Biotec) that are precoated with sheep anti-rabbit IgG antibody are used to adsorb rabbit anti-FP-1 antibodies, which are then used for isolating follicular papilla cells. A dissociated, single cell suspension (as obtained above) containing a mixture of follicular papilla cells and other non-follicular papilla cells (such as the dermal fibroblasts) are mixed with the FP-1 coupled magnetic beads. The FP-1 antibody-coupled magnetic beads coated with the adherent cells are then separated from the non-adherent cells by applying a magnetic field (e.g., OPTICELL® magnetic separation, or magnetic plate, Dynal, Inc., Lake Success, N.Y.). The magnetic beads are then washed with phosphate buffered saline (PBS). Finally, the cells that have bound to the FP-1 antibodies are dissociated by a brief treatment with low pH buffer or with 0.05% trypsin in PBS, or other suitable conditions. The cells that are bound by FP-1 antibody are follicular papilla cells.

Example 11 Hair Reconstitution Experiments

The nude mouse graft model system originally described by Lichti et al. (J. Invest. Dermatol., 101:124S-129S, 1993) is used for testing the role of FP-1 in regulating hair growth. In this system, a mixture of epidermal and dermal cell preparations from newborn mice are grafted onto the backs of athymic nude mouse hosts, resulting in the in vivo reconstitution of hair follicles (Lichti et al., ibid; Weinberg et al., J. Invest. Dermatol., 100:229-236, 1993). Neutralizing antibodies to FP-1 (monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies), that are either perfused into the athymic nude mice system via injection of the antibody into either the left ventricle or a tail vein, or injected subcutaneously, inhibit the reconstitution of the hair follicle.

In a different approach, cultured follicular papilla cells are transfected with either FP-1 cDNA (a/b). It is expected that such FP-1 over-expressing FP cells are particularly active in supporting hair reconstitution in the athymic nude mouse hosts. In striking contrast, it is expected that follicular papilla cells transfected with antisense FP-1 cDNA, or an FP-1 cDNA encoding a dominant negative FP-1 protein, or siRNA that inhibits or prevents expression of FP-1 have a diminished ability to support hair reconstitution in athymic nude mouse hosts. Hair growth can be measured using methods as described in Chamberlain et al., Australasian J. Dermat., 44:10-18, 2003.

Example 12 Determination of Mitogenic Activity of Recombinant FP-1

Isolated human hair follicles are maintained in individual wells of 24-well multiwell plates containing 1 ml of KBM media (Clonetics) supplemented with 100 U/ml penicillin, 10 ng/ml hydrocortisone, 75 μg/ml bovine pituitary extract in an atmosphere of 5% CO₂/95% air.

The cell growth of hair follicles is measured by calorimetric MTS assays (Bunger et al., Artif. Organs., 26(2):111-116, 2002; and Vorauer et al., J. Biochem. Biophys. Methods, 32(2):85-96, 1996). Specifically, FP-1 is added to culture media at different concentrations at different concentrations (from about 10 ng/ml, about 30 ng/ml, about 100 ng/ml, and about 1 μg/ml), and the isolated human hair follicles are incubated in these media with human FP-1 for 48 hrs before measuring by MTS assay.

A single hair follicle is then plated in a 96-well microtiter per well (see, Philpott et al., supra; Philpott et al., J. Dermatol. Sci. 7 Suppl, S55-72; and Philpott et al., J Invest Dermatol., 102:857-861); , and proliferation is measured 4 hr later using a calorimetric MTS assay according to the manufacturer's suggestions (Promega). In each experiment, observations (n=8 hair follicles per group) are performed and the values are reported as mean+/−standard error (S.E.). In the proliferation assay, the negative control is evaluated using untreated hair follicle cells.

The addition of FP-1 results in dose-dependent stimulation of human hair follicle cells.

Example 13 Liposome-Mediated Delivery of FP-1 to Hair Follicles

To achieve targeted delivery of FP-1 to hair follicles, the following protocol is carried out.

Liposomes are prepared by sonication. About 20 mg of egg phosphatidycholine is rotary evaporated with a vacuum drier from a chloroform solution to form a thin film on the walls of a 5 ml round-bottomed flask for about 1 hr. The dried thin film phospholipid is suspended in about 0.5 ml phosphate buffered saline (pH 7.4) on a vortex mixer and then is sonicated with a Branson probe-type sonicator fitted with a microtip at power level 3 for about 8 min. Then 0.5 ml of a solution of mouse FP-1 protein (10 mg/ml) is entrapped with the above suspension by sonication for about an additional 4 min. Liposomes are separated from the non-entrapped FP-1 by gel-filtration on a Sepharose 4B column equilibrated with phosphate buffered saline.

Pieces of outbred white-haired mouse skin derived from 1 to 2 week-old animals (about 2×5×2 mm each) is harvested under a dissection microscope. The samples are then histocultured on collagen-gel supported sponges as described U.S. Pat. No. 6,224,901. Liposome interaction with the skin is initiated after about 24 hrs of histoculture. Mouse skin histocultures are incubated for about 12 hrs with liposomes. As a control, a solution of “free” FP-1 at the same concentration as is used in the liposome preparation is also incubated for about 12 hrs with pieces of the histocultured skin.

Example 14 Liposome-Mediated Delivery of Nucleic Acid to Hair Follicles

About 50 ng of an expression vector comprising DNA encoding mouse FP-1 is purified for liposomal delivery to cultured mouse cells.

Liposomes are prepared by freezing and thawing. About 20 mg of egg phosphatidylcholine (EPC) is rotary evaporated with a vacuum drier from a chloroform solution to form a thin film on the walls of a 5 ml round-bottomed flask for about 1 hr. The dried film phospholipid is suspended in about 0.5 ml phosphate buffered saline solution at a pH of about 7.4 in a vortex mixer and is then sonicated with a Branson probe-type sonicator fitted with a microtip at power level 3 for about 8 min. The 0.5 ml of FP-1 DNA solution is added to the above suspension by extensive vortexing for about 1 minute and is followed by freezing and thawing. Liposomes are separated from the non-entrapped DNA by gel-filtration on a Sepharose 4B column that is equilibrated with PBS. About 50 μl calcein (about 10 mg/ml) is added into the solution in order to mark the liposomes during the separation.

Pieces of outbred white-haired-mouse skin (about 1×5×2 mm) derived from 1 to 5-week-old animals are harvested under a dissection microscope and then histocultured on collagen-gel-supported sponges as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,224,901. Liposome interaction with the skin is initiated after about 24 hrs of histoculture. Mouse skin histocultures are then incubated for about 44 hrs with liposomes. As a control, a solution of naked DNA (lacking any inserted cDNA) at the same concentration is used in the liposome preparation and is also incubated with skin histocultures. The effects of the liposome-delivered FP-1 cDNA, or antisense RNA, or siRNA, on hair growth is assessed by measuring the length of the hair fibers exposed on the skin surface, and by measuring the length of the follicle in the skin by histology as mentioned in Example 10.

Example 15 Effect of Expressing FP-1 on Mammalian Hair Growth

An expression cassette is created, placing the entire cDNA for the murine FP-1 gene under the control of the HCMV immediate early promoter/enhancer and linked to the poladenylation sequence from SV40. This cassette is subcloned by standard methods into the deleted E1 region of an E1⁻/E3⁻ adenovirus vector. Recombinant viruses are isolated, and correct insertion of the expression cassette is verified by Southern hybridization and DNA sequence analysis. The recombinant vector (termed AdFP1) is thereafter purified and grown to high titer.

Groups of 2 to 4, 7 g, 3-week-old C57 Bl/6 mice are injected intradermally with 1×10⁸ pfu of either AdFP1, a control E1⁻/E3⁻ vector lacking the FP-1 cDNA, or a sham injection of saline. After seven days, skin in the area of injection is removed from the injected animals, as well as naive animals, and is analyzed.

Northern hybridization of the excised skin patches reveals the presence of elevated levels of FP-1 mRNA in skin patches injected with AdFP1 but not in sham-injected patches, naive patches, or patches injected with the E1⁻/E3⁻ control adenoviral vector. Blots of mRNA from the various skin patches are also probed for the expression of hair-specific gene expression, specifically the hair-specific keratin gene (ghHb-1), that is expressed mainly during anagen, which is the growing phase of the hair follicle. Northern blots reveals the presence of some ghHb-1 mRNA in all excised skin patches; however, the level of ghHb-1 signal is more pronounced in the skin injected with AdFP1 than in sham-injected patches, naive patches, and patches injected with the E1⁻/E3⁻ control adenoviral vector. The excised skin patches above are visually examined to assess the effect of each treatment on hair growth in the area. To permit such evaluation, the mice are treated carefully during the protocol so as not to induce hair growth by the manner in which they are handled generally. Hair growth is assessed by measuring the length of the hair fibers exposed on the skin surface, and by measuring the length of the follicle in the skin by histology as mentioned in Example 10

Melanogenesis, a pigment synthesis process that occurs in association with hair growth, is evaluated using digital image analysis. Specifically, light is passed through the excised patches and the intensity of transmitted light is measured by determining the average gray scale of a digitally collected image of the transmitted light. The optical density (relative light absorbance) at the injection site is compared with the optical density of the same skin patch at a site distant from the injection site. This analysis is expected to reveal that the optical density of the excised skin patches that are injected with AdFP1 is consistently greater at the site of injection than distal from the injection or that is observed anywhere in sham-injected patches, naive patches, and patches injected with the E1⁻/E3⁻ control adenoviral vector.

The growth phase of the hair follicle cycle is associated with morphologic changes in follicles including an increase in size of the follicle, which can be recognized as an increase in the area of the follicle relative to total dermal/epidermal area. To evaluate hair follicle size, digital images of cross sections of skin patches are collected and analyzed by integrating the number of pixels occupied by either hair follicles or by total dermis/epidermis. The quotient of the two measurements gives the percentage of area occupied by hair follicles. This analysis is expected to reveal that the percentage of skin represented by mature hair follicles is consistently greater in the excised skin patches that are injected with AdFP1 than that is observed in sham-injected patches; naive patches, and patches injected with the E1⁻/E3⁻ control adenoviral vector.

These results indicate that transfer of a gene encoding an FP-1 protein promotes hair growth in the skin. That follicular area increases suggests the presence of larger hair follicles in anagen phase that were actively producing hair shafts. This result is important given the fact that alopecia is often correlated with increased likelihood of finding hair follicles in telogen phase, and that AdFP1 apparently induces anagen within a population of hair follicles initially in telogen.

Example 16 Identification of the FP-1 Regulatory Elements

The promoter of the mouse FP-1 gene is isolated by screening a mouse genomic library using PCR methods (Auch et al., Nuc. Acids Res., 18: 6743-6744, 1990; and Garces et al., Methods Mol. Biol., 161:3-8, 2001). Several overlapping clones are isolated and characterized by restriction mapping and partial sequencing. Combination of these data and the available mouse genomic sequence database allows the identification of the genomic clones having the longest 5′-upstream sequence. A segment of 3 to 6 kb 5′-upstream sequence is inserted into a suitable restriction site upstream from a lacZ reporter gene (Lin et al, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 92:679-683, 1995; Mercer et al., Neuron 7:703-716, 1991; Peschon et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 84:5316-5319, 1987). The fusion gene is excised by using suitable restriciton enzymes, gel-purified and microinjected into fertlized mouse eggs, which are implanted into CD-1 foster mothers. The lacZ transgene is identified by Southern blot analysis of the tail DNA. Positive founder mice are back crossed with C57BL/6J×DBA2 F1 hybrids to generate hemizygous animals that are used for studying transgene expression. The promoter activities of the 5′-upstream sequence of various lengths ranging from 1 kb to 5 or 6 kb is tested to compare their expression pattern to identify the minimal sequence that achieves follicular papilla-specific expression of the lacZ reporter gene.

Example 17 Construction of FP-1 Transgenic Mice

FP-1 transgenic mice, which overexpress FP-1, or derivatives (e.g., any of the coding regions of FP-1 smaller than the full length), mutants, or variants thereof, in a follicular papilla-specific manner are constructed by operably linking a promoter that is follicular papilla-specific (for example, the promoter of the FP-1 gene, or the promoter of versican (Kishimoto, J., R. Ehama, et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 96 (13): 7336-41, 1999) to a FP-1 cDNA, or any portion thereof. The generation of such transgenic mice is done using standard techniques (Joyner, Gene Targeting Oxford University Press, New York, 2000, (Practical Approach Series; 212), i-xviii).

For example, an appropriate fusion gene, comprising any follicular papilla-specific promoter operably linked to a mouse or rat FP-1 full-length cDNA, is first constructed. The fusion gene is excised from the construction vector, gel purified, and microinjected into fertilized mouse eggs (from F1 hybrids of c57BL/6J×DBA2), which can then be implanted into CDE-1 foster mothers. The transgene is identified by Southern blot analysis of tail cDNA using the mouse FP-1 cDNA as probe. Positive founder mice can be back crossed with c57BL/6J×DBA2 F1 hybrids to generate hemizygous and later homozygous mice. Over-expression of FP-1, which is normally expressed transiently during the anagen (or growing) phase of the hair cycle, prolongs the anagen phase of the hair cycle leading to longer hair fibers.

Example 18 Construction of FP-1 Knock-Out Mice

The ablation of the FP-1 gene in mice is done using standard techniques. Briefly, genomic clones of mouse FP-1 gene are isolated from a 129/Ola mouse P1 genomic library. A targeting vector can be designed to delete the third and fourth exons of the FP-1 gene; this vector can contain four portions: an approximately 3-5 kb mouse FP-1 fragment upstream of exon 2, a neomycin-resistance gene (neo) driven by the phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK) promoter in the opposite direction of exon 2 of FP-1, a 3 to 5 kb mouse FP-1 genomic fragment of exon 4 to be eliminated, and a thymidine kinase (tk) gene of herpes simplex virus driven by the PGK promoter (Joyner, Gene Targeting, Oxford University Press, New York, 2000 (Practical Approach Series; 212), i-xviii; Ramirez-Solis et al., Methods Enzymol., 225:855-878, 1993). The linearized vector is electroporated into 129/SvEv embryonic stem cell line W4, and the neo-positive and tk-negative transformants are selected using G418 (240 mg/ml) and gancyclovir (2 mM). The embryonic stem (ES) cell colonies that harbor the correct homologous recombination events are detected by Southern blotting and by long-range PCR using primers. The confirmed ES cell clones are amplified and aggregated with eight cell stage embryos of Swiss Webster mice, and implanted into pseudopregnant females. Chimeric mice from two ES cell lines that are germline-transmitting are bred with SW mice to yield hybrid homozygotes, or mated with 129/SvEv mice to yield inbred 129/SvEv FP-1-knockout mice.

Example 19 Screening Tissue Sections of Cancer Patients and Cancer Cell Lines for FP-1 Expression Levels

Frozen sections and paraffin sections of various normal and various abnormal tissues including tumors are prepared by standard techniques (Hu et al., J. Cell Biol., 151:961-972, 2000; Deng et al., J. Cell Biol., 159:685-694, 2002; and Chen et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 100:14012-14017, 2003) and are stained immunohistochemically using rabbit antibodies to FP-1 (G320 at 1:10,000; G311 at 1:1,000; and G312 at 1:2,000) followed by visualization using secondary goat-anti-rabbit antibodies that have been conjugated with peroxidase or fluorescein.

Cancer cell lines representing cancers of, for example, skin (e.g., basal cell carcinoma), stomach, ovary, liver, brain, etc. are used to prepare RNA. RNA is separated on a gel and is transferred to a filter for Northern analysis (Sanger et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA., 74:5463-5467, 1977). Filters with mRNAs from these cell lines are hybridized with a probe to FP-1. In those instances where the cell lines are derived from mouse cell lines, a mouse FP-1 probe is used; where rat cell lines are use, rat FP-1 probe is used; and where human cell lines are used, a human FP-1 probe is used.

FP-1 is found to be overexpressed in several cancer cell lines.

Example 20 Monoclonal Antibodies that Specifically Bind FP-1

Balb/c mice are immunized with rat or human FP-1 antigen with weekly injections of 200 to 500 μg of recombinant FP-1 protein over a period of 3 to 4 months. Mice showing high serum titers of anti-FP-1 antibodies as determined by ELISA assay against recombinant FP-1, are identified and the spleens of the mice removed. Spleen cells are fused with the mouse myeloma SP2/0 (ATCC® Accession No. CRL-8006) in accordance with the protocol described in Enfield, D. A. et al. EMBO J. 7:711, 1988.

Assays for FP-1 specificity are accomplished by ELISA assays against recombinant FP-1. The cell line producing an FP-1 antibody demonstrating the highest binding for recombinant FP-1 while having the least non-specific binding to an unrelated protein is selected.

EQUIVALENTS

Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific embodiments of the invention described herein. Such equivalents are intended to be encompassed by the following claims. 

1. An isolated polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:12, and amino acids 34 to 551 of SEQ ID NO:12. 